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It is important to classify academic papers in a fine-grained manner to uncover deeper implicit themes and semantics in papers for better semantic retrieval, paper recommendation, research trend prediction, topic analysis, and a series of other functions. Based on the ontology of the climate change domain, this study used an unsupervised approach to combine two methods, syntactic structure and semantic modeling, to build a framework of subject-indexing techniques for academic papers in the climate change domain. The framework automatically indexes a set of conceptual terms as research topics from the domain ontology by inputting the titles, abstracts and keywords of the papers using natural language processing techniques such as syntactic dependencies, text similarity calculation, pre-trained language models, semantic similarity calculation, and weighting factors such as word frequency statistics and graph path calculation. Finally, we evaluated the proposed method using the gold standard of manually annotated articles and demonstrated significant improvements over the other five alternative methods in terms of precision, recall and F1-score. Overall, the method proposed in this study is able to identify the research topics of academic papers more accurately, and also provides useful references for the application of domain ontologies and unsupervised data annotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeology is often argued to provide a unique long-term perspective on humans that can be utilised for effective policy-making, for example, in discussions of resilience and sustainability. However, the specific archaeological evidence for resilient/sustainable systems is rarely explored, with these terms often used simply to describe a community that survived a particular shock. In this study, a set of 74 case studies of papers discussing archaeological evidence for resilience/sustainability are identified and analysed using bibliometric methods. Variables from the papers are also quantified to assess patterns and provide a review of current knowledge. A great variety of scales of analysis, case study locations, stressors, resilient/sustainable characteristics, and archaeological evidence types are present. Climate change was the most cited stressor (n = 40) and strategies relating to natural resources were common across case studies, especially subsistence adaptations (n = 35), other solutions to subsistence deficiencies (n = 23), and water management (n = 23). Resilient/sustainable characteristics were often in direct contrast to one-another, suggesting the combination of factors is more important than each factor taken individually. Further quantification of well-defined variables within a formally-produced framework is required to extract greater value from archaeological case studies of resilience/sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change affects water resources through the decrease in rainfall and the increase in temperatures and evapotranspiration. An indirect impact of climate change is also the increase in water uses by human activities. In this review, 320 papers were retrieved, of which 134, spanning five continents and dealing with impacts and solutions, were selected to be used to better understand the effects of climate change on water resources, ecosystems, human health, security, and socio-economic aspects. Here, suggestions and proposals towards solutions by scientists from around the world, tips and ideas to deal with climate change, and the best solutions for future water management are presented. The main solutions highlighted concern integrated water resource management, political direction, policies, an increase in knowledge, and new technologies. Furthermore, most of the analyzed papers underline that water resource management needs to incorporate the protection and restoration of ecosystems and their services. Nature-based solutions need to be the starting point of new scientific and innovative ways to deal with climate change and look towards future climate adaptation. In this complex evolution of the water resource, the political position of Italy is also shown, illustrating what actions could be implemented for water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, climate change has begun to put pressure on humanity and affect natural and human systems. The aim of this paper is to provide an improved understanding of the state of the literature on the impacts of climate change that can be addressed through measures related to disaster risk reduction, sustainable agricultural practices, and the circular economy. This review also represents a valuable and fundamental reference for both researchers and practitioners in these fields. A total of 74,703 articles (climate change adaptation, 45,030; disaster risk reduction, 5920; sustainable agricultural practices, 7940; circular economy, 15,813) published between 1990 and 2022 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, and the links between these areas were mapped using VOSviewer. There has been an increase in the amount of published research on these four topics since 2007, indicating the increasing involvement of researchers to address these topics, influenced by the concerns of national and international bodies to address these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea level change, a consequence of climate change, poses a global threat with escalating impacts on coastal regions. Since 1880, global mean sea level has risen by 8–9 inches (21–24 cm), reaching a record high in 2021. Projections by NOAA suggest an additional 10–12-inch increase by 2050. This paper explores research methodologies for studying sea level change, focusing on Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. GIS has become a powerful tool in sea level change research, allowing the integration of spatial data, coastal process modeling, and impact assessment. This paper sets the link with sustainability and reviews key factors influencing sea level change, such as thermal expansion and ice-mass loss, and examines how GIS is applied. It also highlights the importance of using different scenarios, like Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), for accurate predictions. The paper discusses data sources, index variables like the Coastal Vulnerability Index, and GIS solutions for modeling sea level rise impacts. By synthesizing findings from previous research, it contributes to a better understanding of GIS methodologies in sea level change studies. This knowledge aids policymakers and researchers in developing strategies to address sea level change challenges and enhance coastal resilience. Furthermore, global analysis highlights the pivotal roles of the United States and China in sea level change (SLC) and GIS research. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, rising temperatures have substantial impacts on local sea levels and extreme weather events, particularly affecting vulnerable coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the necessity of adopting renewable energy technologies in order to achieve sustainable development goals in light of increasing global challenges, with a particular focus on the current generation's well-being. It addresses the potential impacts of global crises, such as energy and food crises, on the transition to renewable energy. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, this paper examines the environmental and economic costs and benefits of renewable energy as well as the commitment of oil-producing countries to international environmental treaties. The research utilises an econometric model to analyse the relationship between sustainable development goals and global challenges. Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the International Renewable Energy Agency are used to inform the analysis. The findings showed that the rights and well-being of current generations are currently maintained by the persistent use of fossil fuels in oil-producing nations. Fossil fuels continue to be, and may likely remain, the primary energy source in various sectors of development, despite their significant contribution to environmental and climate issues. The paper offers insights and recommendations for policymakers seeking to determine when government spending should best be allocated to renewable energy technologies, balancing national economic interests with international agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The One Health (OH) concept has evolved significantly in recent decades, emerging as a key framework guiding international research and policy in managing new infectious diseases, chiefly zoonoses. While its initial conception revolved around managing zoonotic diseases as they traverse the interface between animals and humans through the environment, this concept has transformed beyond its origins as a collaboration solely between veterinary and public health stakeholders. Notably, the past decade has ushered in a new era of addressing complex issues in a novel manner. Emerging evidence has led to a fresh theoretical framework, highlighting interconnected terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Understanding these links is crucial in tackling emerging issues and resultant health challenges within these systems under what we call One Health 2.0. The current paper describes Climate-Smart One Health (CS-OH) and Climate-Smart Integrated Pest Management (CS-IPM) approaches, emphasizing holistic perspectives and practical tools. The One Health (OH) 2.0 concept applies to the agricultural sector and more specifically to agrifood systems exposed to climate change impacts. It is meant to address, in a comprehensive manner, soil, water, plant, animal, rural and urban farmers and farming communities, and consumer health issues. The One Health (OH) 2.0 concept is embodied in the Climate-Smart One Health (CS-OH) approach. The latter is designed for applications in agrifood systems. Pathways for the deployment of both CS-OH and CS-IPM interventions are proposed in this paper. A Ghanaian case is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term sustainable energy is very familiar to all of us, yet its exact definition or meaning has so far been vague. To date, the widely adopted definition of sustainable energy has been inspired by the definition of sustainable development formulated more than 30 years ago in Our Common Future—the UN's Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. The current definition conceals the true spirit of the report, and this has some ramifications. It raises the question as to whether we have put too much emphasis on attaining the future dimension of sustainability in the middle of a situation where energy survivability is in fact the real issue in many parts of the world. In this paper, the role of energy in sustaining the livelihoods of low-income communities is discussed. The existing definition of sustainable energy that the whole world seems to have embraced is looked at critically and its downsides exposed. The identified pillars of sustainable energy and the associated issues are discussed, and the need for an additional pillar, i.e., affordability, is discussed and called for. This paper will argue that the global definition of sustainable energy seems inappropriate and should be jettisoned, and a more realistic definition should be formulated, adopted, and embraced at the local (i.e., national or regional) level taking into account local attributes and factors. The current push for a transition from the reliance on conventional energy sources to "cleaner" energy sources (generally associated with renewable energy) has further exacerbated the issue of energy affordability that has made the conditions even more dire for so many groups of the world's population. In the midst of this situation, those who push for a rushed energy transition seem to be those who also produce an unsustainably high carbon footprint but who can easily offset their carbon footprint through the 'net-zero' concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and continued urban development in flood-prone areas exacerbate flood risks. Flood Risk Management authorities often turn to structural protection measures to minimise losses. However, these measures often lead to infrastructural lock-ins with potential unintended consequences as increased safety can induce increased development, ultimately leading to higher losses in the event of failures of the structural safe-guards in place. This process has been referred to as the Safe Development Paradox: a cross-cutting science-policy-practice challenge that requires a systematic understanding in the context of climate change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, there are no comprehensive review studies, to date, that summarize the state of knowledge of the Safe Development Paradox. This paper provides the first evidence base through a critical review of the state-of-the-art and quantitative analysis of the peer-reviewed English-language literature since 2000, highlighting key knowledge gaps and issues hindering progress in addressing the Safe Development Paradox. It was identified that current research is compounded by a lack of consistent terminology, limited geographic distribution of case studies, and skewed emphasis on fluvial flooding. The review ends with potential directions across the science, policy, and practice domains for increasing knowledge and tackling the Safe Development Paradox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the producers of environmental pollution, it is urgent for enterprises to make up for their lack of environmental responsibility and to realize green transformation and development. At the same time, resource dependence is promoted from the single level of economic growth to the field of green development, which is a field of research and development on resource dependence and broadens the perspective of related research in the academic world. In this paper, we select panel data from 30 regions in China from 2009 to 2022 to validate the research on the impact of resource dependence and corporate social responsibility on green innovation performance. The conclusions are as follows: (1) From 2009 to 2022, the average industrial green innovation performance of the 30 provinces in China was 0.553, with the efficiency values of the eastern, central, and western regions showing a gradual decreasing trend. (2) We found a consistently negative correlation between resource dependency and green innovation performance, confirming the existence of a "resource curse" linking the two. Meanwhile, the regression coefficient of CSR for green innovation performance was positive, confirming the driving effect of the former on the latter. (3) The "resource curse" does not manifest conditionally or have a threshold effect. Instead, we found that it has long-term and persistent characteristics. Meanwhile, the impact of CSR on green innovation performance shows a "reverse N-shaped" double-threshold effect, where CSR can improve green innovation performance only when it reaches a certain threshold value. This paper provides insights to support Chinese enterprises in enhancing their green innovation performance and lays a theoretical foundation for enterprises to fulfill their social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services which are important for achieving sustainable development. Anthropogenic climate change has led to the increased frequency and severity of forest fires, which imply losses of valuable ecosystem services. This paper provides a methodological framework based on Multiple Criteria Decision Aid methods for determining relative regional vulnerabilities associated with forest fires. Different notions of ex-post vulnerability are defined based on the forest area burned and the frequency of forest fires, and their relation to the regions' area and certain socioeconomic characteristics. The climatic drivers of forest fire occurrence are explored by linking forest fires with summer and spring temperatures and precipitation, using econometric count data analysis. The methodology is applied to Greece and its administrative regions for the period 2000–2022. Ex-post vulnerability of regions to forest fires based on physical and socioeconomic characteristics is calculated, and expected changes in the frequency of fires of specific size classes conditional on the evolution of mean seasonal regional temperature and precipitation according to IPCC scenarios are predicted. Relative vulnerability estimates and the impact of specific climatic drivers on forest fires will be useful in designing policies for preserving forests as natural capital and promoting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and population growth play crucial roles in the planning of future water resources management strategies. In this paper, a balancing between projected water resources and water demands in the Iraqi Part of the Tigris River Basin (TRB) was evaluated till the year 2080 based on RCPs 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 and population growth. This paper examined a sustainable adaptation plan of water resources in the TRB considering three scenarios; (S1) as no change in the current strategy, (S2) as improved irrigation efficiency and (S3) as improved irrigation and municipal water use efficiency. The results showed a decline in streamflow will occur in the range from 5 to 18.4% under RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5, respectively. The minimum increase in water demand is expected for RCP 2.6 (maximum increase for RCP 8.5) by 51.8 (208.2), 9.9 (42) and 1.2 (7)% for the municipal–industrial, irrigation and environmental water demands, respectively, compared with the RP. The main finding indicated that S1 is the worst scenario, with water stress in four provinces, especially on the warmest RCP. Whereas, under S2 and S3 conditions, water stress can be eliminated. Increasing ambition towards adaptation becomes obligatory for developing sustainable water sources, supporting water food securities and increasing resilience towards climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate Change and Sustainability Education (CCSE) has been gaining prominence with the imminent climate emergency humanity is facing. This paper draws upon a conceptual framework created to support the development of preservice teachers' subject knowledge of CCSE whilst undertaking Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs in England. The core aims and learning outcomes within the framework, namely knowledge; attitudes, values and behaviours; and competences and capabilities, are defined to illustrate what subject knowledge looks like, in this area, for preservice teachers in England. This paper highlights data gathered from 71 preservice teachers via an initial presurvey from three ITE institutions across England. The data were gathered from Early Years and Primary and Secondary phase trainees across both postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. The presurvey captured a range of qualitative and quantitative responses from preservice teachers to showcase priority areas, from their perspective, in the teaching of CCSE. The responses were coded and then themed according to the three aims and learning outcomes of the framework (knowledge; attitudes, values and behaviours; and competences and capabilities) to understand preservice teachers' views on CCSE at the start of their courses. The findings suggest that preservice teachers lack key subject knowledge in CCSE to teach it effectively in schools. Hence, this paper recommends further work needs to be carried out to embed CCSE work in ITE courses across England. It is further suggested that the CCSE framework highlighted in this paper can act as a key national document to support ITE institutions to conceptualise the teaching and learning of CCSE across their ITE programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change education is crucial for fostering informed and engaged future generations. However, traditional pedagogies often fail to engage learners fully and provide real-world, experiential learning. This paper presents a novel approach to climate change education through a three-day virtual reality (VR) hackathon. The hackathon focused on four United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action. Using VR technology and game design software, engineering students worked in teams. They competed against each other in designing immersive environments that demonstrated their understanding of these SDGs and climate change. Our goal was to encourage the development of empathy, education, and awareness around these critical global issues. The hackathon also integrated authentic assessments, mirroring real-world engineering tasks and providing a more practical and relevant learning experience. Our findings suggest that this VR hackathon has significantly enhanced students' understanding of the SDGs and climate change issues, their competency with VR technologies, as well as their teamwork and problem-solving skills. This paper discusses the hackathon's design, implementation, and outcomes, highlighting the potential of such innovative approaches in tackling climate change education and awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevailing and exacerbating impacts of climate change call for robust and resilient humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). To that end, intelligent technologies that brought about the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) revolution, such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, may tremendously impact the optimal design and effective management of HSCs. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature network analysis and identify trends in I4.0 and HSCs. We posit the need to instill into current HSC efforts the quadruple bottom-line (cultural, economic, environmental, and social) pillars of sustainability and define a Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chain (SHSC). Based on the extant literature and ongoing practice, we highlight how I4.0 technologies can aid SHSC stages from disaster risk assessment to preparedness to response to relief. The complex nature of SHSCs requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach and collaboration by scholars, policymakers, and industry practitioners to pool solution resources. We offer future research venues in this fledgling but life-saving scientific discipline. SHSCs can be empowered with I4.0 technologies, a much needed direction in our climate-changed world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small islands are often disproportionately impacted by external shocks, and the manner in which they build resilience is increasingly important in the face of climate change and health crises, thus impacting the attainment of their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper discusses the results of a systematic literature review (PRISMA protocol) that set out to examine which resilience-building measures are adopted by small islands to overcome the incidence of two shocks happening simultaneously: climate change and COVID-19. This is in line with the objectives set by SDG 13 (targets 13.1/13.3) and SDG 3 (targets 3.8/3.d). While 16,369 studies fulfilled the criterion of jointly assessing pandemic, health and climate, only 662 of these mentioned small islands. Moreover, 42 studies fulfilled additional screening criteria. Within these studies, we examined whether a planetary health approach, which recognises the links between environment and health systems, was adopted. The results show that in small islands, and for such shocks in tandem, a planetary health approach is scarcely considered. However, specific actions to strengthen resilience were documented to have been effective when facing climate and health crises, which we categorised as: (i) the management of short-term risks; (ii) community actions; (iii) local government support; and (iv) long-term strategic planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Canadian dairy sector has faced escalating challenges due to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This paper critically examines a spectrum of innovative techniques aimed at mitigating methane emissions within this sector, scrutinizing their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, compatibility with animal welfare standards, and adherence to both existing and prospective Canadian environmental legislations. The discourse begins with an exhaustive overview of contemporary methane reduction methodologies relevant to dairy farming, followed by a rigorous analysis of their economic feasibility. This includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, juxtaposed with the efficiency and technological advancements these techniques embody. A pivotal aspect of this examination is the alignment of animal welfare with emission reduction objectives, ensuring that the strategies employed do not compromise the health and well-being of dairy cattle. Furthermore, the paper delves into the legislative landscape of Canada, evaluating the congruence of these techniques with current environmental laws and anticipating future regulatory shifts. Performance indicators for emission reduction are critically assessed, establishing benchmarks tailored to the Canadian context. This is complemented by an exploration of the market potential of these innovations, including factors influencing their adoption and scalability in the market. The analysis culminates with a synthesis of case studies and best practices within Canada, offering insights into successful implementations and drawing lessons for future endeavors. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate environmental and health impacts associated with dairy farming emissions but also significantly contributes to the overarching goal of sustainable development in the agricultural sector. The research presented in this paper holds significant implications for the future of sustainable dairy farming, offering a model for addressing environmental challenges while maintaining economic viability and animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the seminal 2012 Special Issue of the Journal of Peace Research about climate change and conflict, at least 35 review papers on the topic have been published. To our knowledge, none of these reviews focused on water and conflict specifically. In order to address this research gap, the present article conducts a systematic review of scholarship examining the linkages between water and conflict, focusing on quantitative studies using secondary data sources. This review focuses on the African continent given projections about the intersection between water issues and conflict in this region, as well as the popularity of this portion of the world in studies of climate change and conflict. We discuss the findings of papers reviewed and propose six avenues for future research. As research about this topic advances, it will require attention to nuances in data processing, integration, and modeling across spatial and temporal scales, if the outcomes of this body of scholarship are to be leveraged to guide the decision making of governing bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As efforts to mitigate climate change become increasingly urgent, the need to address the environmental impact of the built environment has gained significant attention. Buildings, as major contributors to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, have a substantial embodied and operational carbon footprint resulting from their construction materials, practices, and lifetime operation. This paper examines the economic landscape of strategies and policies aimed at reducing the embodied and operational carbon footprint of buildings on a global scale, with specific case studies from various national contexts. It delves into various innovative approaches, including economic analysis techniques, market instruments, market demands, and the role of government incentives to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. The study highlights the crucial role of government policies, financial incentives, and market forces in promoting sustainable practices and fostering the adoption of low-carbon alternatives. By shedding light on the economic dimensions of reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, this research aims to facilitate informed decision-making by policymakers, engineers, and other stakeholders, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and land use are major drivers of environmental and socioeconomic transformations in landscapes and in coastal areas. The objective of this study was to present an interdisciplinary and participatory research methodology for analysing the evolutionary process of a coastal case study, the Trabocchi Coast in the Abruzzo Region (Italy), from multiple perspectives, including climate change, technological history, conservation protocols, and social function. The goal was to assess the resilience of these coastal structures, i.e., their ability to cope and adapt to changes while maintaining their identity and recognition. The adopted approach combined qualitative and quantitative data from the meteorological analyses, literature review, and field investigations involving a participatory workshop, from which a significant portion of the analysed results presented here emerged. The results indicate that the Trabocchi Coast has undergone significant changes in recent decades, posing a serious threat to cultural heritage due to climate change (sea-level rise, coastal erosion, storms, flooding and salinisation), changes in use and mass tourism. However, these changes have also presented challenges and opportunities for coastal development, stimulating diverse resilient responses from local communities, ranging from resistance to innovation. The paper discusses the factors that may make the Trabocchi Coast a model of resilience considering these changes. This is supported by the role of local institutions as guarantors of the cultural heritage value of the trabocchi in that specific landscape context, as evidenced by the approval of the "Costa dei Trabocchi Special Territorial Project" by the Abruzzo Region in 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides triggered by rainfall kill people worldwide, and frequent extreme events that are expected to be an effect of climate change could exacerbate this problem. This review aims to identify recent research, highlighting both the dynamics of landslide accidents and the characteristics of victims. From SCOPUS and WOS databases, using the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) approach, 25 articles written in English, published in the January 2010–March 2022 period and focused on landslide fatalities, were mined. The selected articles recognized a worldwide underestimation of landslide fatalities and analyzed landslide mortality from three perspectives, indicating the importance of this topic for a multidisciplinary research community. The papers focused on (a) fatal landslides and their geographic distribution, seasonality, trends, and relationships with socioeconomic indicators; (b) landslide fatalities and their behaviors and the dynamics of accidents; and (c) clinical causes of death or injury types, aiming to improve emergency rescue procedures. The gaps that emerged include (a) the insufficient reuse of valuable fatality databases; (b) the absence of simple take-home messages for citizens, practitioners, schoolteachers, and policymakers, aiming to set educational campaigns and adaptation measures; and (c) the lack of joint research projects between researchers working on landslides and doctors treating victims to provide complete research results that would be able to actually reduce landslide mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is currently one of agriculture's main problems in achieving sustainability. It causes drought, increased rainfall, and increased diseases, causing a decrease in food production. In order to combat these problems, Agricultural Big Data contributes with tools that improve the understanding of complex, multivariate, and unpredictable agricultural ecosystems through the collection, storage, processing, and analysis of vast amounts of data from diverse heterogeneous sources. This research aims to discuss the advancement of technologies used in Agricultural Big Data architectures in the context of climate change. The study aims to highlight the tools used to process, analyze, and visualize the data, to discuss the use of the architectures in crop, water, climate, and soil management, and especially to analyze the context, whether it is in Resilience Mitigation or Adaptation. The PRISMA protocol guided the study, finding 33 relevant papers. However, despite advances in this line of research, few papers were found that mention architecture components, in addition to a lack of standards and the use of reference architectures that allow the proper development of Agricultural Big Data in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This opinion paper aims to offer a critical assessment on the prevalence of solutions to the climate change problem that rely on climate finance. The paper briefly recalls the key milestones in the evolution of climate finance and highlights what is referred to as a "climate finance trap," offering some crucial insights that might help remedy potential systemic distortions and that vehemently demand public action in the domain of climate policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their nature and location, ports and other maritime projects are particularly sensitive to climate change actions. Thus, when designing these types of projects, it is important to follow a methodology that incorporates climate change adaptation measures throughout the design process. This paper aims to identify the most relevant work developed in this field, along with the main knowledge gaps, through a systematic literature review process. Through a careful selection and analysis of relevant articles associated with "climate change adaptation", "ports" and "design", it was possible to conclude that these focused on existing infrastructures and specific case studies, on individual design aspects, on policies and economic or legal frameworks, on the perceptions around climate change or on stakeholder management. The literature review process described in this paper is part of a larger project, dedicated to the development of a practical and robust framework focused on the implementation of climate change mitigation measures in the design of new ports and other maritime projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singapore is one of the most populous countries, and the majority of the population stays in high-rise public flats. In 2021, there were about 1.1 million public residential units, of which 79% were above 20 years old. The number of incidents of falling objects from a height has been increasing due to the aging and deterioration of buildings. The Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) regime was enacted in 2020 to mandate façade inspections for all buildings above 13 m and exceeding 20 years old. However, the relatively new PFI regime has not considered the potential impacts of climate change on building façades. In this paper, the common root causes of façade defects that can be impacted by climate change are first identified. Based on the climate projection in Singapore to 2100, Singapore is expected to experience a higher mean temperature, a higher rainfall intensity, more extreme rainfall events, and a higher wind gust speed. Overall, these changes in the climate pattern will accelerate corrosion or degradation, material fatigue, adhesion failure, biological attack, and humidity or dampness. The impacts of climate change on vertical greeneries are also discussed. This paper provides a first insight into the key concerns to focus on for the future revision and improvement of the PFI regime to incorporate climate change impacts on façades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parts of the Mediterranean, including Adriatic Croatia, are becoming more exposed to climate risk. Changes in precipitation, temperature, and the occurrence of extreme weather events are increasingly significant. The paper aimed to identify the level of the perceived risk of climate change on the sample of horticultural farmers in the Adriatic Croatia. Furthermore, the paper aimed to research which risk management strategies are preferable to producers to reduce the impact of climate change on agricultural production. The survey was conducted among horticultural farmers in Adriatic Croatia (Mediterranean). The method used in the paper was cluster analysis, and the farmers' readiness to apply climate risk management strategies was additionally examined using ANOVA and the HSD Tukey test. The main results showed that on the sample of 275 horticultural farmers, 57.81% were climate sceptics. In contrast, the climate aware farmers were more ready to apply measures to adapt production strategies and risk reduction measures in response to a changing climate. Finally, the limitations of the research and future research are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing weather patterns have already put pressure on cropping systems around the globe. Projected increases in mean temperatures and variance in precipitation will likely affect the profitability of current cropping patterns, leading to shifts in which crops are grown in a given location. The pressure on water resources in a location, in terms of both water quantity and water quality, will also change with the types of crops grown. While the southeastern United States is projected to become warmer under each of the representative concentration pathways, it is also projected to become somewhat wetter. California's Central Valley, where much of the fresh produce in the US is grown, will likely continue to suffer significant and extended droughts. The southeastern US is a prime candidate for expanding fresh produce production in response to reduced yields in the west. This paper explores the consequences on water withdrawals and water quality of shifting from row crop to vegetable production in the southeastern US. The water quality consequences are based on changes in pesticide products and application rates. The water quantity consequences are based on crop water needs. The methodology used here can be applied to other production systems around the world. Identifying the water quality and quantity implications of shifting cropping patterns is critical to the long-term sustainability of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the decarbonization of the steel, cement, and chemical industries in Germany, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role. The utilization of green hydrogen in the production processes of said industries requires organizations to modify their business model, requiring sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). Numerous tools and frameworks that support organizations in the process of SBMI have been proposed in the literature in recent years. However, the applicability of these tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that intend to utilize green hydrogen to produce their goods remains unexplored. This paper aims to assess the suitability of SBMI tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies planning to use green hydrogen in their production. It conducts a systematic literature review on SBMI tools and frameworks, reviews current green hydrogen projects in these industries, and evaluates the identified tools and frameworks using an evaluation matrix. Based on the evaluation, the Cambridge Business Model Innovation Process (CBMIP) was identified as the most suitable SBMI framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbon urban policy (LCUP) and corporate green innovation are considered crucial strategies and methods for reducing urban carbon emissions, addressing climate change, and promoting urban environmental sustainability. This study constructed a quasi-natural experiment based on the low-carbon city strategy program implemented in China in 2010, utilizing data from Chinese prefecture-level cities and publicly listed companies from 2005 to 2020. Employing a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) approach, this paper reveals that the establishment of low-carbon model cities effectively fosters green innovation in corporations. Further analysis demonstrates that this promotional effect is particularly significant in non-state-owned enterprises, enterprises with high media attention, those with a high level of digitalization, and enterprises located in cities with high levels of green finance and in the Eastern and Central regions of China. These conclusions withstood a series of robustness tests, confirming their validity. Meanwhile, the examination of policy mechanisms reveals that public environmental awareness, government environmental regulation, and corporate environmental information disclosure are three key policy transmission mechanisms through which LCUP affects corporate green innovation. The findings of this study provide significant empirical insights for addressing climate change and enhancing the sustainable capacity of urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines key considerations for the decolonisation of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in Africa. It draws on insights into epistemic inclusivity to systematically assess journal articles that drew on primary studies and were published between 2015 and 2022. The findings of the review depict that there are persistent epistemic exclusion and alienation of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in CCEE. This lack of recognition of ILK contributes to negatively affecting the quality of what is learnt in educational centres across Africa as learners' lived experiences in their socio-cultural environments are not contextualised to enhance the relatability of the subjects of their learning. Decolonisation efforts must address exclusion and alienation and promote inclusion and epistemic agency. This paper captures various strategies to achieve these in the continent, as well as some opportunities and challenges. It maintains that multidimensional approaches to decolonisation are required to promote African-centred climate change and environment education. This includes the interrogation of existing theories and depictions of subjugation of ILK, as well as seeking ways to halt or mitigate the prevalence of ongoing epistemic exclusion in different educational contexts and locations. It also requires policymakers and education managers to commit to developing epistemically inclusive education policies, curricula, and learning frameworks that highlight the significance of place-based knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a review of toxic algal blooms in the Philippine and Malaysian coastal and marine systems, considering relevant available knowledge, including climate change dimension/s in the assessment of their recorded recent expansion. The first record of human toxicity in the Philippines associated with HABs/toxic algal blooms specifically was during the bloom of Pyrodinium bahamense in the Sorsogon, Samar, and Leyte waters in 1983. Since then, the species has been identified to occur and cause blooms in about 44 sites/areas in the country. Recent government reports, i.e., 2021, 2022, and 2023, have also identified other paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) causative organisms (Gymnodinium catenatum, Alexandrium spp.) in the country. New records indicate that the presence of PSP causative species has been reported almost year-round in the Philippines. In Malaysia, PSP caused by P. bahamense was initially confined in 1981 to the state of Sabah, Malaysia Borneo, but since then, blooms of this species have been reported almost annually at different scales across the coastal waters of Sabah. P. bahamense and other cyst-forming dinoflagellates could be transported naturally or through human activities. Other eco-physiological and environment factors from the field and the laboratory have been used to study the bloom dynamics and transport of PSP causative species in several areas in the Philippines and Malaysia. More recently, plastics and other marine litter have been considered potential vectors of invasion/transport or expansion of dinoflagellates with other microorganisms. ENSO events have been observed to be stronger since 1950 compared with those recorded from 1850 to 1950. The extreme phases of the ENSO phenomenon have a strong modulating effect based on seasonal rainfall in the Philippines, with extreme ENSO warm events (El Niño) often associated with drought and stresses on water resources and agriculture/aquaculture. In contrast, cold events (La Niña) often result in excessive rainfall. The La Nina Advisories from 2021 to 2023 (18 advisories) showed the persistence of this part of ENSO, particularly in regions with recurrent and new records of HABs/toxic algal blooms. More studies and monitoring of another type of toxic algal bloom, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), are recommended in tropical countries such as the Philippines and Malaysia, which have extensive reef areas that harvest and culture marine fish for local and export purposes, as accelerating reports of this type of poisoning have apparently increased and causative organisms have been identified in several areas. There is an urgent need to enhance HAB/toxic algal bloom research and monitoring, particularly those related to climate change, which has apparently impacted these blooms/occurrences directly or indirectly. Local researchers and managers should be made aware of the knowledge and tools already available for their utilization and enhancement to meet local conditions and challenges for potential recurrence and expansion of HABs/toxic algal blooms. Regional and international HAB research and collaboration should be further advanced for the protection of public health and marine resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and limitations, remains an area of exploration due to their potential to optimize interventions that foster environmental sustainability at the intersection of people, animals, and natural ecosystems (i.e., One Health). A multi-method design was used, including literature review, questionnaires, and semi-structured key informant interviews to assess adaptation needs and NbS among a sample of LFEs located in Southern AZ, USA. The findings revealed that existing NbS have been introduced mostly through learning-by-doing practices that are bounded by economic and technological resource constraints. The paper describes a range of accessible approaches and practices that can be piloted and/or scaled up to enhance local food system resilience and contribute to the overlapping health of people, animals, and natural ecosystems. The priority adaptation pathways for NbS were identified to be funding and financing and the co-creation and sharing of knowledge through peer-to-peer and expert-to-peer approaches. The results suggested that AZ LFEs are likely to adopt NbS based on their capacity to address priority climate-driven issues, revenue generation potential, and seamless augmentation with existing food production and operational activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How humans use and manage water resources under climate change conditions threatens water security, which means risking the availability of enough good-quality water for everybody and for nature's flora and fauna. Integrated Water Resources Management is a state-of-the-art water management model. After 20 years in use, the application of this model failed to achieve its primary goal in many countries, i.e., ensuring the good ecological status of rivers, lakes, and aquifers. This paper shows that because the model is more human-centered than nature-oriented or anthropocentric, it generates severe environmental damages called "externalities." From a historical analysis of the human–nature interplay, three main results were obtained: (1) the nature–human interaction is always in a state of contradictory confrontation, being composed of two opposite human behaviors of conflict and cooperation with nature; (2) this contradiction is assumed as a general ontological principle and epistemic hypothesis, called "dialectical"; and (3) historically, in the balance of power between nature and humans, three clusters are identified: (i) naturalistic, (ii) dualistic, and (iii) anthropocentric. A theory of a novel behaviorist conflict resolution model is suggested to dialectically resolve conflicts between stakeholders and natural laws. This model provides a harmonic symbiosis of humans and nature, removes environmental externalities, and can lead to sustainable water security. Three case studies illustrate the merits of the new dialectical model in real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, destination management organizations (DMOs) are becoming increasingly known for their sustainable practices. Despite the importance of destination management organizations' sustainability initiatives in the face of climate change, minimal research has been undertaken on the topic in Canada. DMOs on PEI can inform tourists better if they know what other adaptive strategies are taken into consideration around Canada. Our work included host-community interviews and perceptions on DMOs' roles in improving tourism in the face of climate change. The interviews concluded that tourism officials in Prince Edward Island are becoming more conscious of climate change, but more has to be done to slow down the effects of the phenomenon. This paper also identified challenges facing DMOs in the area of sustainable tourism in the context of climate change. One of the recommendations was that DMOs should have access to techniques for mitigation and adaptation in addition to incentives that are sensitive to local situations. They may successfully advocate for climate change in this way and inform visitors if they are staying in risky places because of the consequences of climate change. The information on the standard operating procedures that DMOs use was intended to be useful to travelers, DMOs, and enterprises involved in the tourism industry. Future implications should discover new approaches for sustainability projects and to achieve a better understanding of how to enhance processes within the tourism industry, and more research on DMOs' sustainability practices in the face of climate change could help improve this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As multiple wind and solar photovoltaic farms are integrated into power systems, precise scenario generation becomes challenging due to the interdependence of power generation and future climate change. Future climate data derived from obsolete climate models, featuring diminished accuracy, less-refined spatial resolution, and a limited range of climate scenarios compared to more recent models, are still in use. In this paper, a morphing-based approach is proposed for generating future scenarios, incorporating the interdependence of power generation among multiple wind and photovoltaic farms using copula theory. The K-means method was employed for scenario generation. The results of our study indicate that the average annual variations in dry-bulb temperature (DBT), global horizontal irradiance (GHI), and wind speed (WS) are projected to increase by approximately 0.4 to 1.9 °C, 7.5 to 20.4 W/m2, and 0.3 to 1.7 m/s, respectively, in the forthcoming scenarios of the four considered Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). It seems that accumulated maximum wind electricity output (WEO) and solar electricity output (SEO) will increase from 0.9% to 7.3% and 1.1% to 6.8%, respectively, in 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon emissions associated with buildings is a top priority for mitigating the human impacts from climate change. Reducing carbon emissions resulting from the manufacturing, designing, constructing, investing, owning, operating, occupying, renovating, and demolishing of buildings is essential to safeguard the environment from negative consequences. This paper relates to the environment and human influence on the climate and addresses the different amounts of embedded carbon for building activities ranging from new buildings to major renovations to minor renovations, using a methodology termed the "whole-life carbon measurement". The data from the case studies indicate that refurbished or renovated buildings exhibit the least carbon footprint compared to other alternatives. This outcome can be attributed to the sustainable practice of reusing materials, coupled with the positive effects of retrofitting. The expectation that refurbished buildings would demonstrate a lower carbon footprint aligns with the principles of sustainability, emphasizing the environmental benefits of repurposing existing structures. While embedded carbon is currently not priced, it is important that it be accurately measured over the entire life cycle of buildings if the real estate industry is to meet sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is arguably the greatest challenge facing cities today. Its severe consequences have created the need for sustainable urban planning. In this regard, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have contributed in recent years to alleviating environmental problems caused by soil sealing and enhancing the resilience of cities to climate change. However, in most cases, the level of implementation is limited to solving environmental problems caused by inadequate urban planning. To change this, in recent years some countries have proposed recommendations to integrate these systems into their urban planning regulations, but these have been general and have not defined specific measures. This paper proposes to achieve this goal by using case studies of three countries with similar characteristics (Spain, Italy and France). A common framework for the integration of SuDS in planning has been proposed that can be exported to other similar places. The urban scales of intervention have been defined (city, neighborhood and street), as well as the actions to be carried out (analysis, planning and regulatory measures) and the urban plans to which they should be applied. This proposal represents an advancement in the application of SuDS as a primary control measure. This breakthrough will significantly improve the resilience of the cities of the future, making them more resilient to the effects of weather and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the challenges required by the European Green Deal policies concerning the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050, this paper analyses the suitability of different Italian urban systems for energy consumption and CO2 emission reduction. In anthropised territories, there are strong relationships between energy consumption, climate-changing emissions and settlement patterns. Lands considered low could increase their rating because they have far greater environmental, energy and land resources than more pivotal ones. After an Italian-scale overview of the ecosystem capacities, this paper develops a detailed study of three exemplary areas: the northeast, the northwest, and the central-west coast. The analysis uses Burkhard's matrix for ecosystem values and the energy consumption 2021 report of the National Energy Authority. The first finding is that the northeast region, characterised by spread and rarefied urbanisation, has a peculiar suitability for climate neutrality. In the results, spread territories perform much better than centralised ones. The coexistence of little urban cores, space for vegetation and a widespread water network promotes synergies for enhancing an ecosystem approach to land design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than three decades of independence of Central Asia (CA) countries have been marked by socio-economic, political, and legal reforms. Growing climate change impacts threaten the wellbeing and livelihood of the already vulnerable local population, more than half of which comprises women. In this context, it is essential to adequately include both women's and men's needs in multiple efforts taken by national governments to overcome climate change challenges. This paper explores how gender/women considerations have been already addressed in climate change in CA using bibliometric analysis, an expert-driven assessment approach, and a comprehensive analysis of thematically relevant development projects. The findings demonstrated a significant prevalence of grey literature implying much lower interest from academia. The experts outlined the importance of women's participation and consideration of their experiences, which were different from men's, in climate change decision making. The comprehensive analysis of the selected development projects revealed the leadership/empowerment domain of climate change–gender interconnections as being mostly addressed. The implications of this paper regarding the current knowledge on the topic related to the CA region are threefold. Firstly, it highlights a strong need for further scientific research that could be implemented through international research initiatives and national institutional programs. Secondly, it calls for increased input from women representation in climate action at all levels. Thirdly, it outlines areas that require stronger cooperation with international donors to mainstream gender/women considerations among a wide range of stakeholders engaged in climate change and its related fields. Overall, the paper lays a basis for further steps towards advancing gender-sensitive and -responsive approaches in CA, particularly in those climate-change-related areas that are often perceived as being gender-neutral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a driver for society to rethink water management and change the paradigm of use to a fit-for-purpose approach—i.e., separating potable water for human consumption (drinking, cooking or personal hygiene) from all non-potable uses that do not require the same quality level. In this context, urban water reuse is a relevant tool for municipalities and metropolitan areas when dealing with pressure on water resources, among several alternative water sources that can be considered in a site-specific and integrated manner. Through the available literature and specific case studies in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, this paper explores the benefits and barriers of water reuse and intends to support local authorities in including water reuse in their water management strategies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper focusing on Portugal and the Lisbon Metropolitan Area that globally examines governance, economic, legislative and social aspects regarding water reuse and presents specific implementation examples covering potable and non-potable as well as direct and indirect reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismologists listen to Earth's noise as it rips apart (faulting), exudes (volcanoes) and swallows (subducts) large volumes of rock. Your mobile phone is most likely detecting such noise, right now! This paper is about one such specific noise, the T wave. It summarises an early and successful piece of citizen science, performed within The University of Queensland Seismograph Stations (UQSS) observatory, in cooperation with colleagues at CSIRO. It was designed to encourage young STEM students from Brisbane high schools to engage in "real" research, back in 1995. Bear in mind, this is a time period when science is changing considerably from analog to digital media and operational recording methods. The citizen science students used a pre-prepared decadal collection (1980–1990) of T waves, derived from the Brisbane seismograph (BRS) observatory data catalogue. BRS has been operating since 1937 and is part of the global World-Wide Seismograph Station Network (WWSSN). Fortunately, seismology is a very collaborative field. There is a lot of data analysis involved in the science of recording earthquake signals, with auxiliary definitive catalogues, observers logbooks, housing of the recordings themselves (analog and digital) and the software mediums that change over time. It equally tests housekeeping proficiency, where a maze of record-keeping problems can be encountered in a longitudinal data collection study such as this. Having completed the project report, Earthquake generated T phases on BRS Seismograph (Brisbane, Q'ld) a predictor for Tasman Sea Tsunamis? their (analog) results sat in a cupboard until recently. The project was re-analysed in 2022 for a higher-degree student, discovering a timely climate change implication for the study. The original research question has now been amplified with a brief literature review. We observe that currently in Australia, university and government earth science observatories have diminished, and in their place, public seismic networks (PSN) have evolved, either in backyard sheds or school science labs. We now additionally propose here that the level of expertise required ideally fits the role of advancing citizen science, for a real science advantage. This is already a topical citizen disaster preparedness action area, and we propose that it has applications as a possible educational strategy for citizen engagement in today's climate emergency. In addition, we are hopeful that other researchers in oceanography will read this paper and decide to explore the ocean's temperature rise phenomenon through the eyes of seismological observers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is impacting cities and urban regions in significant ways, and people living within them must work out how to live with and adapt to the changes they bring. Indigenous peoples are increasingly moving to and living in cities, yet how they experience climate change within them is not understood. While literature explores Indigenous experiences of climate change and how Indigenous knowledge is being used to combat it, this work is geographically located in rural and remote Indigenous territories—not cities. This paper presents the results of a review that sought to find out why this is the case. Our aim was to identify scholarship that discussed how Indigenous people are affected by climate change in cities. To do so, we undertake a narrative literature review, which analyses content to distil key concepts in the literature, which are then presented in the paper to form a narrative. We find a significant gap in the literature addressing Indigenous experiences and voices concerning climate change in cities. We argue that this is due to the ongoing legacy of settler colonization, which has erased Indigenous peoples from urban territories to the extent that even when they are visible, urban Indigenous people are characterized as inauthentic and vulnerable. We call for action to overturn this insidious form of urban nullius to reclaim and assert Indigenous voices on and about climate change and policy in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges to public policy brought by climate change are some of the biggest challenges for cities around the world. These challenges are costlier and more substantial for low-income communities given the existence of their greater social and economic vulnerability. Among the existing tools, this paper highlights the role played by urban living labs (ULLs), which have been discussed in the literature as a booster of urban resilience in a more sustainable direction. By considering ULLs as strategic institutional arrangements that seek resilience for the critical urban infrastructure challenges of climate change, the main target of this paper is to analyze ULLs as a strategy for increasing critical infrastructure resilience in the region of the Global South. These labs were initiated in developed countries, so we can ask: How are developing countries adapting this strategy in order to mitigate the problems of climate change? To achieve this goal, we reviewed previous literature on ULLs, specifically looking for case studies with ULL projects and highlighting the processes of public innovation policies and transfers of knowledge between countries; in order to complement our empirical analysis, we carried out a case study on Brazil. Despite the limitations of the sample, the data suggest the existence of different barriers to the implementation of ULL projects in Brazil compared to those in European cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change adaptation (CCA) evolved in the global policy framework in the early 1990s. However, it began to flourish about a decade later through a subsequent development of institutions, policies and supporting financial mechanisms. Various adaptation approaches and development practices have been evolving over the last couple of decades through a process of scrutiny, debates, and critiques. One such recent approach is called conflict-sensitive adaptation, which encompasses concepts to understand potential conflict-inflicting elements and peacebuilding aspects of adaptation interventions. This paper examines 35 peer-reviewed research articles that have analysed field data with the notion of conceptualising conflict-sensitive CCA initiatives. Emerging key results were presented and discussed in different academic forums to stimulate peer reflections and debates. We found that the understanding of conflict-sensitive adaptation has its universality in engaging with diverse stakeholders. However, practicalities were different in the cases of the global north and the global south. In the global south, there is a concentration of research in areas of pre-existing conflict in Africa and Asia, where climate change links are often assumed from IPCC reports in order to compensate for the unavailability of field data. However, from the perspective of adaptation politics and governance, there is a concerted urge for the emancipatory participation of local and marginalised populations. We argue for a need to pretest adaptation projects through a conflict lens. Decolonising the adaptation and understanding of local geography is critical in such planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) is a high mountain protected area (MPA) in eastern Nepal undergoing socioeconomic and environmental changes that are unprecedented in the region's history. In the following paper, we discuss recent changes involving new road construction, climate change, adventure tourism, and the wildlife/forest cover/medicinal plant sectors. Our assessments are based on the collective results of past and recent field research, remote sensing analysis, oral histories, and literature reviews. While similar changes are occurring in MPAs throughout Nepal, it is suggested that the KCA differs from other regions in that it still retains the option of conducting detailed feasibility, environmental, and impact assessments prior to the implementation of major change-associated projects, particularly the construction of roads. In turn, the KCA might avoid many of the environmental, social, and economic problems experienced elsewhere in Nepal, while enhancing its status, income-generating capacities, and sustainability as a global destination for adventure, nature, and cultural tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing net-zero carbon design is a crucial step towards decarbonizing the built environment during the entire life cycle of a building, encompassing both embodied and operational carbon. This paper presents a novel computational approach to designing life cycle zero-carbon buildings (LC-ZCBs), utilizing parametric integrated modeling through the versatile Grasshopper platform. A residential building located at the New York Institute of Technology, optimized to fulfill the LC-ZCB target, serves as a case study for this comprehensive study. Four main influencing design parameters are defined, and three hundred design combinations are evaluated through the assessment of operational carbon (OC) and embodied carbon (EC). By incorporating biobased materials in the design options (BIO) as a replacement for conventional insulation (OPT), the influence of biogenic carbon is addressed by utilizing the GWPbio dynamic method. While both OPT and BIO registered similar OC, with values ranging below 0.7 kg CO2eq/m2a, the EC is largely different, with negative values ranging between −0.64 and −0.54 kg CO2eq/m2a only for BIO alternatives, while the OPT ones achieved positive values (2.25–2.45 kg CO2eq/m2a). Finally, to account for potential climate changes, future climate data, and 2099 weather conditions are considered during the scenario assessments. The results show that OC tends to slightly decrease due to the increasing productivity of PV panels. Thus, the life cycle emissions for all OPT alternatives decrease, moving from 2.4–3.0 kg CO2eq/m2a to 2.2–2.4, but none of them achieve the LC-ZCB target, while BIO alternatives are able to achieve the target with negative values between −0.15 and −0.60 kg CO2eq/m2a. There is potential for achieving LC-ZCBs when fast-growing biobased materials are largely used as construction materials, fostering a more environmentally responsible future for the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, encompassing the greenhouse effect, is a scientifically acknowledged fact. Factors such as population increase and limited resources for economic growth warrant consideration. This paper aims to develop a new approach to explore the relationship between the greenhouse effect (including climate change) and economic growth and the social/welfare state and find if the government really focus on the reduction of the greenhouse or is marketing. The objective is to develop a study employing linear regression, neural networks, and other statistical tools to elucidate these relationships. The data comprise figures for the human development index (HDI), the greenhouse effect, the GDP, and environmental indicators. The method used will be a parametric workout about the variables that affect the greenhouse gas emissions, the relationship between it and the HDI, and finally, will apply a prediction of greenhouse effects incorporating a neural network. Since 2020, in European Union countries, and especially in new members, focus has been placed on the HDI rather than on the reduction in the greenhouse effect. On the other hand, neural networks allow advances that enable the European Union to focus on climate change, with large investments planned until 2030 because the reduction in greenhouse gases can be effectively lowered when the countries' expenditures are focused on environmental protection, including enhancing biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeting Life Below Water by introducing user-friendly modeling approaches. It delves into the impact of abiotic factors on the first two trophic levels within the marine ecosystem, both naturally and due to human influence. Specifically, the study examines the connections between environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, nutrients) and plankton along the Romanian Black Sea coast during the warm season over a decade. The research develops models to forecast zooplankton proliferation using machine learning (ML) algorithms and gathered data. Water temperature significantly affects copepods and "other groups" of zooplankton densities during the warm season. Conversely, no discernible impact is observed on dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans blooms. Salinity fluctuations notably influence typical phytoplankton proliferation, with phosphate concentrations primarily driving widespread blooms. The study explores two scenarios for forecasting zooplankton growth: Business as Usual, predicting modest increases in temperature, salinity, and constant nutrient levels, and the Mild scenario, projecting substantial temperature and salinity increases alongside significant nutrient decrease by 2042. The findings underscore high densities of Noctiluca scintillans under both scenarios, particularly pronounced in the second scenario, surpassing the first by around 70%. These findings, indicative of a eutrophic ecosystem, underscore the potential implications of altered abiotic factors on ecosystem health, aligning with SDGs focused on Life Below Water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site investigation is essential for developing and constructing a dependable and effective wind engineering project. Also, the kinetic energy of moving air, used to drive a wind turbine, produces electricity. Having seen the shortage of previous studies on wind energy sites' suitability across Africa and having read about the abundance of untapped wind energy resources in the East African region, this paper used Geographical Information System (GIS), multi-criteria, and Analytic Hierarchy techniques to provide a geospatial analysis of wind energy technology siting suitability in Eastern African Community Countries. Different data were acquired and processed from numerous open-access databases (Global Wind atlas, Regional Center for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), African Geoportal, East African community website, and Energy data Info.org). The results reveal Kenya has large parts of its land areas highly appropriate for wind energy siting (15.26%) and 1.55% of its land classified as unsuitable for wind energy generation. The rates of suitability and unsuitability were respectively 26.57% and 4.87% for Burundi, 20.6% and 10.21% for Rwanda, 20.39% and 10.44% for Tanzania, and 4.65% and 27.15% for South Sudan. The findings also show that East Africa exhibits moderate levels of wind energy siting suitability, with an estimated average of around 37.27% of its land area moderately suitable for wind energy technology installation, covering thousands of square kilometers. The study is advantageous to academia and industry-related personnel engaged in renewable energy-related activities in other African countries with similar topographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human population growth has resulted in increased food consumption, followed by agrifood production intensification. Human activities have a significant impact on the environment, causing, among other things, air and water pollution and biodiversity degradation. In an international context where there is strong concern about environmental issues, it is also necessary to direct food production towards more sustainable models. In this context, the use of frameworks for certifying the environmental footprint of agrifood products can be a lever to promote sustainable production and consumption. The objective of this paper is to explore the opportunities for certifying the environmental footprint of products, focusing in particular on some of the main environmental claims: global warming, water depletion, and biodiversity loss. The olive sector was selected as a case study since it is the major tree crop in the Mediterranean countries, and it has strong impacts on human health and the environment. We employed a literature review in the SCOPUS database and the knowledge of experts in the main environmental certification sectors. The study revealed the possibility of adopting various mitigation strategies and improving environmental performance, while also pursuing certain market objectives related to certified products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]