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• The influences of the geometric parameters of the reactor on the SCPP-HPCR are investigated. • A formula is proposed to calculate the CO 2 emissions reduction of the system. • The optimal operating conditions of the SCPP-HPCR is analyzed. • 2.38 kg of CH 4 is degraded and 375.52 kg of CO 2 is reduced through the system one day. The increase of 1.09 °C in global temperature resulted in significant catastrophes because of the extreme climate. The climate change rate can be slowed down by reducing the levels of CH 4 and CO 2 in the atmosphere. The solar chimney power plant integrated with a honeycomb photocatalytic reactor (SCPP-HPCR) uses the photocatalytic technology to remove atmospheric CH 4. In addition, CO 2 emissions can be reduced from coal fired power plant due to the generating capacity of the system. In this paper, the influence of the geometric parameters of the reactor and turbine on the overall performance of the SCPP-HPCR is studied by numerical simulation. The obtained results showed that the flow resistance inside the system was mostly caused by the HPCR at low turbine speed, and primarily by the turbine at high turbine speed. Reducing the pore diameter of the reactor could improve the photocatalytic performance of the SCPP-HPCR more than increasing the turbine speed. The SCPP-HPCR having a pore diameter of 3 mm, porosity of 0.85, and constant turbine speed of 180 rpm, built in Qianyanzhou, China, could remove 2.38 kg of CH 4 and reduce 375.52 kg of CO 2 in one day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability and dynamics of the Asian monsoon (AM, hereafter indicates both of the summer and winter monsoons.) at orbital and millennial timescales has attracted wide interest. Chinese loess deposits, covering an area of ~500 × 103 km2 and with a thickness of several tens to more than three hundred meters, is an ideal continental archive to reconstruct AM variations during the Quaternary epoch. Over the past thirty years, since the earliest paper published in an international journal that linked the Asian monsoon and Chinese loess deposits, many studies have been undertaken focusing on this research topic. These results have greatly deepened our understanding of the variations of the AM climate and their driving mechanisms during the past ~2.6 Myr. In this paper, we emphasize recent progress on the AM variability and dynamics revealed by Chinese loess records; in particular, we discuss the reliability and precision of the timescale and the monsoon proxy indicators for the loess-paleosol sequences, which are two fundamental aspects for understanding AM behavior. We analyze what we know and discuss what we do not know about the AM. We refine the timescale for the typical loess-paleosol sequence in the central Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), which can be used as a new timescale to study palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental changes in the monsoonal Asia. We conclude that low-latitude insolation changes induced by precession, and global ice volume, temperature at high-latitudes, as well as sea-level changes forced variations of the AM at orbital time scales. High-latitude cooling events and low-latitude hydroclimate process at millennial time scales, such as climate changes associated with Heinrich events and Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles in Northern Atlantic and Greenland, have also modulated AM variability. We suggest that high-latitude forcing of AM variations occurs through ocean and atmospheric circulation linkages, although the roles of atmospheric CO 2 , ocean and vegetation feedbacks need further investigation. In future study, high-resolution independent dating, novel proxy indices and transient numerical simulations are still basic tools to understand the loess deposition and AM variations that require considerably more work. Issues such as reliable spatial comparison and regional linkages of records (dependent on precise and accurate numerical chronologies), and quantitative reconstruction of the AM variations, should be given priority in the study the past climate change in Asia, and low-latitude hydroclimate process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On shorter time scales, the karst carbon cycle coupled with photosynthesis, is a potential carbon sink. The surface water biological carbon pump (BCP) plays an important role by transforming dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) to organic carbon (OC), forming a stable carbon sink through a series of biogeochemical processes on shorter timescales (i.e., years to thousands of years). A comprehensive understanding of the karst carbon sink (KCS) is important in understanding its role in the global carbon budget and carbon neutrality. In this paper, we review the current progress and prospect future research of KCS. The world is facing a quick change in climate and rapid variation in land-use, so the interaction mechanism between the above two and KCS needs to be further understood. Manual intervention to increase KCS also deserves attention. Meanwhile, due to the complexity of the karst system and karst carbon cycle, a comprehensive (water, rock, soil, atmosphere, biology) karst carbon cycle monitoring system needs to be established, integrating different types of carbon sink (e.g., soil, forest, karst) under a research framework. An in-depth understanding of these aspects will help KCS better serve the sustainable development of human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and scarcity of energy sources have put developing countries in a situation that demands emergency future planning for matured renewable technologies in order to continue sustainable progress and provide clean and cheap energy to masses. This paper provides a comprehensive structure of site suitability for utility scale solar PV and wind energy projects considering criteria critical to each technology while only using criteria with absolute necessity for varying scenarios incorporating Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) along with Geographic Information System (GIS). A novel approach is also considered for far-off areas potentially deprived of electricity access for small scale solar PV implementation. A total of eight sub-criteria were considered in site selection process regarding wind and solar energy, analyzed using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in order to rank criteria depending on their importance to selection process. Resulting methodology was applied to case study of Pakistan, a developing country with growing climate change emergency and ongoing power crisis. End results showed 25.28% area suitable for utility scale solar PV farms, 5.93% area suitable for utility scale wind farms and 40.02% suitable area for small scale solar PV farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and global warming have led to an increased incidence of flooding across the world. Against the backdrop of the recent devastating floods in the Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa, this paper explores psychotraumatology of natural disasters. In particular, we explore the impact of internal migration in South Africa, as well as apartheid spatial planning and inequality on the consequences of the flooding. We also focus on the psychotraumatology resulting from flooding, in general, and in particular on the victims of the flooding in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. We conclude that the psychopathological consequences of such natural disasters are ignored even though they seriously affect the people concerned. The development of specific trainings for psychologists in psychotraumatology and the care of victims should be a priority in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Many local authorities are preparing climate actions plans. • Policies to increase distributed energy generation such as PV are likely. • As capacities increase, PV can dominate system variability and predictability. • Predictive demand side response (DSR) may be too coarse to address this. • More granular techniques such as using system frequency may be required. Since 2018, over three quarters of UK local governments have signed climate emergency declarations signalling a new phase in local climate action. Many areas are developing climate action plans and considering what policies could be adopted to increase the use of distributed energy resources, such as building-integrated photo-voltaic (PV) generation. In this paper we demonstrate how city-scale backcasting can be used as a tool to go beyond technical feasibility and explore the policy, market and governance implications of decarbonisation pathways across the local and nation scales. Using urban PV as an example we model three scenarios for increasing installed capacity in the UK city of Bristol and demonstrate how, in each case, PV switches from being a minor 'negative load' on the energy system to being the dominant factor determining the volatility and predictability of the energy demand during daylight hours. Current approaches to integrating distributed energy resources into the wider system tend to focus on predictive modelling and half-hourly pricing to drive demand-side response. Our analysis indicates the risks of relying on these non-real time methods and suggests that more granular techniques such as triggering local DSR based on changes in electricity system frequency could better manage the variability of high levels of PV deployment at the local scale. We also demonstrate the importance of developing new local approaches to system integration that bring together network operators, local authorities and other local actors to deploy renewable generation and flexibility assets in coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the connectedness among the climate change index, green financial assets, renewable energy markets, and geopolitical risk index from June 1, 2012 to June 13, 2022, using Quantile Vector Autoregressive (QVAR) and wavelet coherence (WC). The Total connectedness index (TCI) varies as long as the highest TCI originates in the upper quantile. We also note that the higher TCI decreases after the second wave of COVID-19 and increases during the first 100 days of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Moreover, the results show that Geopolitical risk (GPR) is a net transmitter of the climate change index during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The green bond and clean energy markets are negatively connected to the GPR at extreme 10 th and 90 th quantiles. The wavelet coherence confirms the QVAR results that the climate change market can be a safe haven against GPR during the Russian invasion. The climate change index, green financial assets, and clean energy are strong influencers in the financial markets and are vital to international peace, reducing geopolitical risk. The study reports a few novel conclusions and implications from a sustainable development perspective. • Connectedness among climate change index, green financial assets, renewable energy markets. • Daily data was used from June 1, 2012 to June 13, 2022. • Role of geopolitical risk for green financial assets and renewable energy market. • Climate change index, green financial assets, and clean energy are strong influencers in the financial markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the comparison of three Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) configurations specifically Basic, Recuperative and Regenerative from the energy and economic prospective. Four different organic working fluids (Toluene, Nonane, Decane and Dodecane) are flown individually in all the three configurations. For simulation purpose of various configurations Aspen plus is used, along with energy analysis is done on all the configurations to evaluate the net work done, power and efficiency of ORC systems. As Toluene has zero ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential, the worry about climatic changes is somehow offset by these beneficial environmental traits. Study shows that the maximum net work done of 1364 kW is given by Regenerative ORC which shows an enhancement of 36.60 % and 25.23 % from Basic and Recuperative ones. Among all the selected configurations and working fluid, Regenerative with Toluene shows the most efficient configuration and gives 37.01 % of maximized efficiency. Along with that the thermo-economic analysis is also performed on all the three configurations out of which Regenerative shows an operating cost of 211.65 $/hr. It is observed that under ideal circumstances the Regenerative ORC along with Toluene working fluid outperforms the other two configurations.' [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climate change impact of household waste management in Lappeenranta was calculated. • Waste management impact was investigated in 2009, 2019, and 2029. • Mixed residual waste to combustion, biowaste to digestion, and others to recycling. • The 2029 scenario was significantly affected by replacing fuel in heat production. • The role of recycled plastic demand is highlighted. Waste management processes have developed significantly in recent decades and will continue to change alongside the associated environmental impacts. This paper examines the climate change impacts of historical development in waste management, which has not received significant attention in the existing literature, while also exploring possible future developments. The city of Lappeenranta in Finland was selected as a case study, and the climate impacts of household waste (HW) management were calculated for the actual situations in 2009 and 2019 and the foreseen situation in 2029. Separately collected waste fractions of mixed residual waste (MRW), biowaste, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass were included in the analysis. The results show that the net climate change impact decreased considerably from 945 kg CO2-eq. /t HW in 2009 to -141 kg CO2-eq. /t HW in 2019 mainly by directing the MRW to energy recovery instead of landfill. The emissions responsible for climate change could be further reduced in 2029 by directing biowaste to digestion instead of composting and by directing more fractions to recycling; e.g., plastic, the impact of which is affected by the demand for recycled plastic. For the year 2029, the net climate change impact was -181 kg CO2-eq. /t HW when heat produced from MRW displaced natural gas and was as high as 142 kg CO2-eq. /t HW if the heat substituted biomass heat. The findings reveal that as energy production mixes and materials become less fossil carbon intensive, they have a significant impact on the net climate impacts of waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dengue model is proposed with parameters linked to climate and human factors. • Both local and global stability of the disease-free equilibrium are analyzed. • Sensitive analysis reveals a decisive role of temperature in dengue spread. • Sensitive analysis discloses a local role of precipitation and human population. • Climate changes aggregate dengue burden more than human population. Dengue fever (DF) is a re-emerging disease spread by mosquitoes. It is primarily found in the tropics and subtropics, and its prevalence is heavily influenced by global warming. A comprehensive understanding of how the changes in climate and human population affect future dengue epidemics is crucial for effective prevention and control. In this paper we extend a mechanistic compartmental model for mosquito dynamics of immature and mature stages, coupled with human population dynamics. Stability analysis of the disease-free equilibrium is carried out analytically, and the basic reproduction number is derived. Model parameters are explicitly linked to climatic variables and human population density. Model validation suggests that the basic reproduction number acts as a reliable measure of the spread ability of DF in response to future scenarios of climate and human population change. Our model predicts that the risk area of DF will expand considerably in mainland China, and the expansion fronts are mainly extended in the center and east. Most importantly, sensitivity analysis and model prediction both show that while temperature is critical in determining the threshold suitability for DF transmission, precipitation and human population density act locally to regulate the spreading DF patterns, where high values of these two factors may significantly accelerate the spreading process. Our results indicate a strong call for increased attention in the areas that are currently safe from DF, but climatically suitable for DF spread as consequence of the fast-economic growth and rapid urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nutrients shortage that will occur by the next decade could limit global fertilizer production, there are growing needs to recover macro-nutrients such as P and N from landfill leachate, which its generation and treatment have become global environmental issues. This work critically reviews the applicability and the performance of physico-chemical treatments for nutrient recovery from landfill leachate. This article also identifies recent progress and bottlenecks of nutrient recovery from landfill leachate, while providing an overview of how to apply a circular economy paradigm in the nexus of water–food–energy. Due to their ability to recover P and N from landfill leachate, specific attention is given to struvite precipitation, adsorption, and ammonium stripping. Their technological strengths and bottlenecks of each technique are evaluated based on a literature survey of 145 papers (1981–2022). By integrating anaerobic digestion and other nutrient recovery technologies, it is possible for water utilities to provide both renewable energy and nutrients, while contributing to a circular economy, global food security, and carbon neutrality. To attain a sustainable landfill management, the selection of appropriate technology for nutrient recovery from the liquid waste needs to consider the properties of waste stream, recovery performance, discharge standard, impacts, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, this work has consolidated new knowledge between technological development and demand-driven valorization. [Display omitted] • One ton of landfilled waste generates about 0.2 m3 of landfill leachate. • One ton of landfilled solid waste generates about 125 m3 of greenhouse gas (GHG). • GHG consists of 71% of CH 4 and 24% of CO 2. • Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are identified as nutrients fertilizers. • Struvite precipitation and ammonium stripping are widely used for nutrient recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Traditional and Indigenous knowledges and strategies are overlooked and suppressed by mainstream approaches to adaptation. • Modernist adaptation approaches frame climate as something that can be controlled and understood rationally. • The suppression of traditional and Indigenous approaches to adaptation has led to increased vulnerability and marginalisation. • People's local and place-based knowledges are assets that help them better adapt to climate change. • Adaptation planners and practitioners should listen with openness to plural forms of knowing and being. The differential impacts of climate change have highlighted the need to implement fit-for-purpose interventions that are reflective of the needs of vulnerable communities. However, adaptation projects tend to favour technocratic, market-driven, and Eurocentric approaches that inadvertently disregard the place-based and contextual adaptation strategies of many communities in the Global South. The paper aims to decolonise climate change adaptation guided by the critical tenets of 'Decolonising Climate Adaptation Scholarship' (DCAS). It presents empirical case studies from Fiji, Vietnam, and the Philippines and reveals the different ways that Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) and strategies are devalued and suppressed by modernist and developmentalist approaches to climate adaptation. The paper then foregrounds some of the adaptive techniques that resist and remain, or have been re-worked in hybrid ways with ILK. Ultimately, this paper combats the delegitimisation of ILK by mainstream climate change adaptation scholarship and highlights the need for awareness and openness to other forms of knowing and being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uncovers the most important factors causing institutional inertia in the water management sector related to flood control in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States Gulf Coast region. The gradual modifications in water management systems, structures, and institutions are increasingly associated with the concept of institutional inertia, which serves as a valuable perspective for understanding resistance to change. New Orleans was chosen as a case study due to its history of catastrophic flooding events, vulnerability to climate change, extensive subsidence and reliance on hard infrastructure solutions to water management. Through a process tracing method, this paper illuminates the phenomenon of critical junctures in the period of study for New Orleans (1893-present) to understand their causes, results, and path-dependent legacies. The main findings are that some key contributing factors (i.e. costs, uncertainty, path dependence, power and legitimacy, and complexity) did promote institutional inertia in the New Orleans water management sector related to flood control. In addition, the paper sheds lights on the critical junctures that largely have failed to break the flood resistance paradigm that has dominated New Orleans water management since the system's inception. The application of institutional inertia and critical juncture lenses in New Orleans is novel, making it particularly relevant for water management institutions and flood control practices. • New Orleans illustrates how potential transformative periods have failed to engender paradigmatic and systemic shifts. • All five factors depicted as contributors to institutional inertia exert an influence with different levels of significance. • Some variables (i.e., path dependence) are more strongly related to institutional inertia than others (i.e., uncertainty). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth's oceans serve as vast heat storage reservoirs and the ocean currents, forming a heat transfer zone, act as a buffer for climate change. The oceans play a crucial role in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and nitrogen cycle, interacting with the atmosphere. However, the increasing occurrence of heatwaves in recent years has disrupted the stability of the oceans and affected their function as a global thermostat. This paper examines relevant literature from the Web of Science database spanning from 1996 to 2023. Our analysis reveals the evolving research hotspots regarding the impact of heatwaves on ocean carbon sinks, progressing from "carbon dioxide - carbon emissions - ocean - seawater - organic matter - marine sediment" over the past decades. Keyword frequency and centrality analysis indicate a deepening focus in this field of study. The research areas primarily revolve around climate change, carbon dioxide, ocean variability, the influence of high temperatures on the carbon cycle, the weakening of the ocean carbon sink function, and ocean temperature. This study summarizes research findings on the mechanisms by which high temperature heatwaves affect ocean carbon sinks, alterations in ocean carbon cycle patterns, their impacts on marine ecosystems, and factors influencing seawater temperature and heatwave occurrence. Finally, the paper discusses novel findings in this field and proposes countermeasures to enhance ocean sink capacity amidst the warming trend. • The research hotspots have shifted from "carbon dioxide-carbon emissions-ocean-seawater-organic matter-marine sediment". • The study analyzes mechanisms by which high-temperature heat waves affect ocean carbon sinks and identifies influencing factors. • The research presents novel findings in this area and proposes strategies to enhance the capacity of ocean sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge on the first human occupations predating MIS 21 in the Atapuerca karst system. These occupations are described in terms of their ecological, cultural and technological context based on the Sima del Elefante and Gran Dolina sites. This paper focuses on the lower units of these sedimentary infills, specifically Unit TE9 of Sima del Elefante and Unit TD4 of Gran Dolina. In addition, evidence of the earliest human settlements in Europe is reviewed and hypotheses about the dynamics and intensity of that settlement are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scale of the decarbonisation challenge and the short timeframes over which action is required demand urgent action. This paper is set within the surface transport sector, now the largest sector of emissions with the slowest pace of change in many advanced liberal economies. It focuses on the strategies and actions of local government which is recognised to be a central player in catalysing change. Our evidence is derived from the actions of two UK local areas which claim to be at the forefront of the decarbonisation challenge. The paper focuses on the role of funding and financial mechanisms in addressing the climate crisis. In the face of an established pattern of austerity and hollowing out of local government we explore how deep transformation is being envisaged. We find a recursive set of issues which derive from a dependence on funding from outwith. This dependence means that despite comprehensive overarching strategies and goals the funding available is the core of the strategy. This means that the nature of the funds, such as the requirement for experimentation, innovation or private sector leverage, defines direction. In turn, and to maintain success in attracting funds, there is an emphasis on presenting 'premium spaces of ambition' with little evidence of attention to broader systemic change. This duality is openly recognised. This paper advances a wider point that greater emphasis should be placed on the 'financialisation' of climate policy and the reality rather than the rhetoric of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recognition of the impacts of climate change and air pollution, a special issue was prepared to address the response and adaptation of agricultural ecosystems to global changes. A total of thirteen papers were published, delving into the mechanisms underlying the effects on crops and agroecosystems and adding important insights into the modeling and adaptation of agroecosystems to global change through optimized management practices. This collection of papers has a broad relevance to numerous areas in agriculture, ecology, and environmental and earth sciences. • A special issue dedicated to 'agricultural ecosystems response and adaptation to global changes'. • A total of thirteen papers were published. • Studies concerned ozone, precipitation, warming, management, and modelling. • This Editorial discusses the content of the publications included in the special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current global landscape, food loss and waste (FLW) persist as a significant challenge, accounting for one-third of global food production and directly impacting 700 million individuals. Beyond its social ramifications, FLW incurs substantial economic costs and raises environmental and ethical concerns. To address this issue, our paper presents a comprehensive systematic overview within operations management, offering a framework that delineates diverse supply chain types, defines FLW, examines its multifaceted impacts, and outlines reduction strategies. Emphasizing a holistic perspective, we utilize various case study approaches to shed light on the global implications of FLW, aiming to contribute to ongoing research endeavors. In exploring the depth of FLW, we build upon two foundational premises: the actions taken by rational actors towards FLW reduction hinge on the balance between benefits and costs, guiding policy formulation. Effective policies necessitate a thorough understanding of synergies, potential unintended consequences and trade-offs. The absence of comprehensive information on FLW leads to both excessive and insufficient rates of FLW. Justifying public intervention lies in its potential to enhance food security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, albeit quantifying these effects poses challenges. Our overview paper identifies key challenges in FLW policies, encompassing measurement, quantification, interdependencies within the and trade-offs, and value chain in food policy objectives. Despite these challenges, the paper guides the enhancement of loss measurement for targeted interventions, emphasizing investments in policies that foster a conducive business environment and government-led initiatives in awareness and incentive modification. The study also sheds light on crucial gaps in knowledge, including data deficiencies and variability in estimates, calling for standardized data collection methodologies and targeted research initiatives. By addressing these gaps and emphasizing collaborative efforts, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of FLW, advocating for improved strategies to tackle this multifaceted issue. • Comprehensive Ops Framework: Presents systematic framework for FLW reduction in supply chains. • Multifaceted FLW Impacts: Explores economic, environmental, and social impacts. • Urgent Data Gaps: Emphasizes need for current data on FLW, especially in BRICS nations. • Culture-Specific Solutions: Highlights importance of tailored innovations for waste reduction. • Climate Nexus and Renewable Energy Integration: Explores FLW, climate change, and renewable energy synergy for sustainable, low-carbon paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In the last two decades, few reviews have been done on sprinkler irrigation for frost protection, and is therefore worth looking forward to and will promote the further development and application of this technology. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the technology of sprinkler irrigation frost protection from the basic principles and control principles of sprinkler irrigation and its control, crop critical temperature, composition and arrangement of sprinkler irrigation frost protection system, control of sprinkler irrigation system and benefits of sprinkler irrigation frost protection. • The key to the operation of sprinkler irrigation frost protection system depends on the control strategy and technology, especially from the perspective of meteorology, crops, basic performance of sprinkler irrigation and frost protection, and the cost-effectiveness of operation, etc., to build a complete control technology, which is the future development trend. • At the basic research level, several future research directions are proposed, including: thermal and dynamic interaction between water droplets and plant surfaces, estimation of accumulated ice, and composite frost protection system. At the application level, the evaluation of frost protection effectiveness also requires the introduction of physiological indicators of crops for comprehensive evaluation. Frost damage is becoming more serious with global climate change. The horticultural crops are often sensitive to low temperatures and frost damage, which severely affect yield and quality, causing economic losses to growers. Sprinkler irrigation is one of the automated technologies currently practiced for frost protection in orchards. The paper first explains why sprinkler irrigation is effective in frost damage prevention and outlines the basic principles. Second, the components of a sprinkler irrigation system, sensor installation, and sprinkler control are summarized. Third, we reviewed the yield increase and economic benefits of sprinkler irrigation against frost. Finally, the gaps and development trends of sprinkler irrigation for frost protection were proposed: (1) physical mechanisms, including impingement and heat transfer between sprinkler water and crops or ice, (2) dynamic properties of canopy retention of water and ice during sprinkler irrigation for frost protection, (3) physiological indexes of plant for evaluating the effectiveness of frost protection, (4) irrigation control strategies for compounding other methods, and (5) development of virtual platforms for more irrigation test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the technological responses to concern about the healthiness and sustainability of red meat consumption as well as growing global food insecurity has been the development of plant-based meats. While still niche industries, plant-based meats are increasing in diversity and visibility and are often accompanied by scientific claims about their potential contribution to sustainability, health and nutrition. In this paper we analyse these claims from the perspective of critical metrology, looking not only at the state of knowledge about plant- and animal-based beef but also how knowledge is being produced. Such research is vital in understanding not only what is known about a topic but also the limitations of that knowledge in terms of influences and gaps, to shape how research can be done better. The research is based on a scoping review of scientific papers that compare the sustainability and nutritional properties of plant- and animal-based beef, with a particular focus on the Australian context. Our analysis shows that there are some points of consensus, such as plant-based beef having lower greenhouse gas emissions than animal-based beef and that plant-based burgers have lower total fat and saturated fat than animal-based burgers. However, we also find points of difference due to variability in production systems, products and approaches to measurement. We discuss how a metrological regime is forming that bears the imprint and interests of the industries involved, influencing the metrics and geographies that are studied and creating critical absences in understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation is an important adaptation strategy to cope with climate change which reduces vulnerability to water stress and improves crop productivity to feed millions. There is evidence of crop yield stagnation in many developing countries, and irrigation efficiency is claimed to increase crop productivity. Therefore, this paper uses data envelopment analysis to evaluate the farmer's productivity through technical efficiency (TE), i.e., the relationship between resource inputs and outputs of 513 paddy farmers in Eastern India. The results show that the farms are, on average operating at 14% TE, leaving a considerable scope to improve up to 86% to reach the optimal level. A significant difference is observed between irrigated and rain-fed paddy farmers, such that10% of the irrigated farms achieved efficiency scores over 40% and only 2% of rain-fed farms achieved the same. The tobit and beta fit regression models are estimated to find out the factors that influence the TE. Both surface water and groundwater sources of irrigation are used as predictors, along with other socio-demographic factors. Access to surface water irrigation is identified to be a significant determinant of farm efficiency, however, surface water irrigation, such as canal irrigation, is accessible only to farmers living on plain land. Farmers living on highlands need to explore other sources of irrigation practices, such as drip and sprinkler, that can increase TE and farm productivity. Therefore, this paper calls for government intervention to provide extensive training and facilities for these micro-irrigation practices. • Data Envelopment analysis was estimated to derive the paddy efficiency among the tribal villages of eastern India. • The DEA estimates show that average Technical efficiency in the study region is much below the national average. • Irrigated farmers are more efficient than the rain-fed farmers. Surface irrigation is the dominate factor. • Rain-fed paddy cultivators' farm efficiency would improve by 6.5%, if they had irrigated. • Semi-mountainous regions with little access to surface irrigation must explore micro-irrigation practices such as drips and sprinklers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the debate on ways to improve the calculation of inequality measures in developing countries experiencing severe budget constraints. Linear regression-based survey-to-survey imputation techniques (SSITs) are most frequently discussed in the literature. These are effective at estimating predictions of poverty indicators but are much less accurate with inequality indicators. To demonstrate this limited accuracy, the first part of the paper review and discuss the SSITs. The paper proposes a method for overcoming these limitations based on a Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS). Before to apply this method to Moroccan data with the aim to analyze the relation between poverty and climate changes a simulation is carried out to compare classical SSIT and SSIT based on GAMLSS. • SSITs are used to estimate indicators when surveys are not conducted yearly. • GAMLSS are useful to reduce the bias of inequalities indices estimated with SSITs. • GAMLSS adopt the distribution that best fits the data not the normal one as SSITs. • Obtaining estimates yearly allows to understand causalities of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response and adaptation to the impacts of climate change is a vital and increasing requirement for protected area management. On the ground managers of cultural and natural values in protected places have requested practical guidance on how to undertake climate change impact analysis, vulnerability assessment, and adaptation planning together with enhanced capacity for planning with partners, rightsholders and stakeholders. In this paper we explore how co-development and subsequent testing among World Heritage site managers, Indigenous experts and researchers, produced guidance for assessing, responding to and planning for the impacts of climate change on the diverse values of World Heritage sites in Australia. We draw on the diversity of cultural and natural heritage values associated with the terrestrial, coastal and marine environments in Australian World Heritage sites, and the broad range of institutional contexts in these sites, to highlight considerations of relevance to other protected areas (including other World Heritage sites around the world, Ramsar wetlands and marine protected areas). Our paper highlights that, for climate adaptation planning to become a normal part of management, there is a need for ongoing capacity building, including around the use of climate information to inform adaptation planning and implementation, as well as integrating Indigenous perspectives. Building capacity may involve trial and error, negotiation, sharing, sourcing and interpreting new information, and changes in expectations. It will require novel and more dynamic relationships between partners and stakeholders. Managers should include capacity building for climate adaptation planning and implementation as a specific climate adaptation task in their planning. • We present co-developed and tested climate change guidance for World Heritage. • This guidance is co-authored with Indigenous experts. • There is an ongoing need for capacity building in adaptation planning. • Co-development processes can build capacity and bring together diverse knowledge. • World Heritage is a useful context for understanding climate adaptation planning needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, increasing the area of legume crops has been identified as a key measure to achieve the objectives set by the European Green Deal and transition toward more sustainable food systems. Although the role of grain legumes in climate change mitigation has been closely examined, little research has focused on how climate change will challenge the development of these crops. This article systematically reviews recent simulation studies to assess the impact of climate change on grain legume performances in Europe and the effect of adaptation strategies. Forty papers using process-based, ecological niche, or statistical models were selected to simulate the response of eight grain legume species to future climate (2020–2100) in Europe. The lack of data on adaptation strategies in Europe was compensated for by enlarging the study area to climatically similar regions. The review highlights a notable imbalance between research about soybean versus other grain legumes, with soybean representing approximately 80% of selected studies. Studies focused on soybean found good agreement, with yield or suitability gains found in northern Europe and a higher probability of yield losses in southern and south-eastern Europe. While a similar spatial pattern may be expected for other grain legumes, the scarcity of data makes this result more uncertain. The review also shows that several adaptation strategies have the potential to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on grain legume performances or enhance its positive impact. The most promising strategies tested include irrigation, change in sowing date, and cultivar choice. In addition, we identify several knowledge gaps that, if addressed, would support legume development in Europe. In particular, key species such as field pea, faba bean, lentil, and chickpea remain blind spots, despite their prominent role in European environmental, agricultural, and nutritional policies. Other knowledge gaps include a lack of accounting for crop response to elevated CO 2 , ozone, and future biotic pressure, and a limited range of adaptation strategies tested and indicators assessed. Implementing multi-criteria analyses that involve stakeholders would help identify relevant inputs and outputs for future simulations. • We review 40 papers assessing grain legume response to climate change in Europe. • Grain legumes other than soybean are blind spots despite their role in policies. • For soybean, yield gains are expected in the north and yield losses in the south. • Adaptation strategies can mitigate the impact of climate change on grain legumes. • We identify several knowledge gaps, including a lack of data on key legume species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongting Lake Basin is an important hydrological regulation and flood storage area in the Yangtze River Basin, which plays an important role in maintaining regional ecological security. The watershed vegetation and its carbon sequestration capacity have changed dramatically due to climate change and human activities in the last two decades. In this paper, the monthly and annual vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) of the Dongting Lake basin during 2000 to 2020 was firstly estimated using the improved Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) model. Then the multi-year NPP change trend and its significance were analyzed based on Theil-Sen median and Mann-Kendall method. Subsequently, the Hurst index was used to simulate the vegetation NPP persistence in the study area. Finally, the driving mechanisms of vegetation NPP changes in the study area were explored using partial correlation coefficients and residual analysis. The results demonstrated that: 1) The annual average NPP in the basin showed a fluctuating and increasing trend from 273.54 to 718.30 g C/m2·yr1 during 2000 to 2020, and except for autumn, all seasons (spring, summer, winter) and annual NPP series showed an upward trend. The spatial distribution of vegetation NPP is characterized by an asymmetrical horseshoe shape in general, with high values in the west, south and east parts, and low values in the Lake area; 2) During the study years, about 84.38 % of the basin area showed a significant and extremely significant increase of NPP; 3) The future trend of vegetation NPP in the basin shows that the area of decrease (22.79 %) is more than the area of increase (11.35 %). The Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration will generally show a continuous and extremely significant reduction trend, while parts of Dongting Lake will show a continuous and extremely significant increase trend; 4) The correlation between solar radiation and NPP is stronger than the other two meteorological factors (precipitation and temperature). Temperature has a significant inhibitory effect on NPP, solar radiation has a significant promoting effect on NPP, and the effect of precipitation on NPP was relatively complicated. The relative importance of meteorological factors on vegetation NPP was ranked as follows: solar radiation > precipitation > temperature. The impacts of both climate change and human activities on NPP changes showed great spatial variability, and the positive contributions (89.81 % for climate change and 82.87 % for human activities) were both greater than the negative contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses severe systemic risks to the financial sector through multiple transmission channels. In this paper, we estimate the potential impact of different carbon taxes (€50, €100, €200 and €800 per ton of CO2) on the Italian banks' default rates at the sector level in the short term using a counterfactual analysis. We build on the micro-founded climate stress test approach proposed by Faiella et al. (2022), which estimates the energy demand of Italian firms using granular data and simulates the effects of the alternative taxes on the share of financially vulnerable agents (and their debt). Credit risks stemming from the introduction of a carbon tax - during periods of low default rates - are modest for banks: on average, over a one-year horizon, the default rates of firms increase but remain below their historical averages. The effect is heterogeneous across different sectors and rises with the tax value; however, even assuming a tax of €800 per ton of CO2, the default rates are below their historical peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various climate change causing agents, transportation alone is responsible for 19.2% of the carbon emissions. By proper implementation of various preventive measures, the impact of transportation on climate change can be drastically reduced. It is also necessary to determine the relationship between the transportation factors responsible for creating environmental degradation and causing climate change and to rank them based on the preventive measures impact to deal with them. In this paper, we have identified the transportation factors that affect climate change and the factors related to its preventive measures based on the 'environment', 'sociology' and 'modernity' elements of Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT). Given the context, this study focusses on development of an assessment framework that combines three techniques: Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP). • We integrate SAW-ISM-IRP approach to understand the impact of transportation on climate change. • We have identified the factors based on Ecological Modernization Theory. • First, SAW has been used to reduce the number of factors in order to apply ISM and IRP easily. • We have collected data from 10 experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the ground surface temperature, as it can occur in built-up areas or due to climate change, affect the temperatures of geothermal boreholes. Analytical models for the thermal simulation of boreholes and considering this factor have been proposed. However, they all impose a uniform heat extraction boundary condition along the borehole walls. This boundary condition overestimates the temperature change in the underground caused by the borehole heat extraction and underestimates it in case of rejection. More accurate results are most often obtained by imposing a uniform temperature boundary condition. In this paper, we propose a new model to calculate the boreholes wall temperature taking into account both the heat extractions/rejections from all the boreholes in the area and the change in ground surface temperature. The model is tailored for areas with independent ground source heat pumps and imposes a uniform temperature boundary condition along the borehole walls, overcoming the limitation of the existing models. We apply the new model to a real Swedish neighbourhood and show that existing systems may already be significantly affected by the increased ground surface temperature due to urbanization. We also compare our new model with an existing similar model and show that while the two models provide similar results for smaller areas, their difference tends to be relevant for bigger areas – including the real Swedish neighbourhood analysed - thus making the application of our model important for neighbourhood- and city-scale studies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the interactions among climate change, carbon emission allowance trading, crude oil and renewable energy stock markets, especially the role of climate change in this system is of great significance for policy makers, energy producers/consumers and relevant investors. The present paper aims to quantify the time-varying connectedness effects among the four factors by using the TVP-VAR based extensions of both time- and frequency-domain connectedness index measurements proposed by Antonakakis et al. (2020) and Ellington and Barunik (2021) [8,48]. The empirical results suggest that, firstly, the average total connectedness among climate change, carbon emission allowance trading, crude oil and renewable energy stock markets is not so strong for the heterogenous fundamentals underlying them. Nevertheless, the time-varying total connectedness fluctuates fiercely through May 2005 to September 2021, varying from about 8% to 30% and rocket to very high levels during the global subprime mortgage crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the total connectedness mainly centers on the short-term frequency, i.e., 1–3 months. Secondly, climate change is generally the leading information contributor among the four factors, although not particularly strong, and its leading role also performs mainly on the short-term frequency (1–3 months). Thirdly, renewable energy stock market and crude oil market show tight interactions between them and they are the two major bridges of information exchanges across various time frequencies (horizons) in this system. Finally, we confirm the evidence that the primary net connectedness contributor and receiver switch frequently across different time frequencies, implying that it is extremely essential for policy makers, energy producers/consumers and investors to make time-horizon-specific regulatory, production/purchasing or investment decisions when facing the uncertain effects of climate change on the interactions among carbon emission allowance, crude oil and renewable energy stock markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent environmental-related issues such as climate change and global warming have sparked scientists' interest in finding a way to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases through dry reforming of CH 4. As a result of this reaction, not only H 2 is produced, but also CO 2 and CH 4 are reduced. Catalysts are needed due to the enhancement of the kinetics of the reaction. Non-noble metals like Ni, Co, etc., have shown promising activity, they are readily available, and have low cost; consequently, they have been widely employed for the reaction. In this paper, the recent advances in the development of the Ni- and Co-based nanocatalysts for DRM reaction, including the use of different supports and promoters, the addition of alkaline earth metals, and new structures like mesoporous silica and dendritic fibrous nano silica as supports were reviewed. [Display omitted] • Ni- and Co-based nanocatalysts used for DRM were reviewed. • The advantages and shortcomings of the nanocatalysts were discussed. • Recent advances in Ni- and Co-based nanocatalysts for DRM were addressed. • Future trends in the development of nanoparticles-based catalysts were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-invasive methods and equipment to measure and monitor panel painting's behaviour. • Technological analysis and state of conservation of the Mona Lisa 's wooden panel. • Studying mechanical properties and conditions of an artwork painted on wood. • Monitoring mechanical response of panel paintings to environmental fluctuations. • Collecting data to feed and reliably calibrate numerical models. This paper describes an innovative method, and related equipment, developed by the authors to monitor non-invasively historic panel paintings under museum display conditions. This method permits in-depth knowledge about such artworks, allowing us to understand their reactions to climatic variations, and provides objective data on which conservation decisions can be confidently based, since the data are directly obtained from the individual artwork. Since 2004, following the invitation from the Louvre Museum and the C2RMF (National Centre for Research and Restoration of French Museums), the wooden panel on which Leonardo da Vinci painted his Mona Lisa has been studied by an international research team of wood technologists and engineers, including researchers from French and Italian universities and related scientific institutions (Montpellier, Clermont Auvergne, Poitiers, Florence), to understand its mechanical, hygroscopic and shape characteristics and behaviour, to evaluate its present state, and to provide suggestions for optimizing its conservation conditions. Non-invasive methods and equipment were therefore devised and implemented to measure (during the annual opening day of its display case) and automatically monitor (during the time the display case remains closed) both the deformations that the panel undergoes (mainly produced by the inevitable small climatic fluctuations within the case) and the constraining forces acting on the panel itself. The method and the related equipment, improved over the years, are based on miniature load cells and displacement transducers, whose outputs are automatically logged at desired time intervals, typically ranging between 30 min for monitoring during the whole year, and a few seconds for manual measurements, calibrations, and other selected events; the stored data can be downloaded both through a cable connection and wirelessly, by means of a specially developed connection apparatus. The panel is confined in a climate-controlled display case, which typically is opened only for a few hours once a year. Additionally, close restrictions must be respected, including absolute non-invasiveness, non-interference with the enjoyment of the artwork by the public, and compliance with strict procedures for safe and secure conservation. The implementation of this method has provided significant information about the actual behaviour of the panel during the whole year. Comparing several annual force-deformation curves, their good linearity suggests that no unacceptable stress or deformation has taken place in it, showing that the climatic conditions (air temperature and relative humidity) maintained in the display case can be considered favourable to the conservation of the artwork. Moreover, based on the collected data, reliable Finite Element Method (FEM) models are being developed and calibrated, with the aim of describing the mechanical behaviour of the panel and virtually evaluating the risk of damage (including the propagation of an ancient crack) deriving from external conditions or actions to which it would be unthinkable to submit the original historic artwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is an underexploited fruit of the humid tropics. • Rambutan seeds are treasure trove of beneficial lipids. • The essential chemicals in Rambutan's edible components account for the fruit's substantial nutraceuticals qualities. • Growth in the production, marketing, and processing sectors will elevate the livelihood generation of the Rambutan growers. • Popularizing Rambutan as an orchard plantation crop will be a significant step toward carbon sequestration and combating global climate change. The rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), a member of the family Sapindaceae finds its natural habitat in tropical regions of South East Asia. Present cultivation of this crop covers different humid tropic regions of the world across the continents. The utilization of this fruit in various means to serve the interests of industrial and nutraceutical sector are being explored in the recent past; cultivation of rambutan also trends to develop livelihood quality of growers due to its demand in export and the fresh market as an exotic fruit attributed by its peculiar vibrant red hairy outgrowth of the peel. Fruits are deseeded during processing and the peels and seeds remain as a wasted by-product of the canning industry. Various studies have reported that different parts of rambutan fruit such as peel, seed and root contain bioactive compounds which hold potentiality for curing inflammation, bacterial diseases, diabetes and cancer. Stakeholders may consider rambutan as an orchard crop since its increased tree biomass will help mitigate climate change and reduce the risk of severe climatic disasters like strong winds, erosion, and flooding. Trees enhance soil fertility and consequently farm productivity. The present review paper has been undertaken for providing an overview of the chemical constituents, potential industrial utilization and valuable nutraceutical properties of rambutan along with its role in livelihood development and climate resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lateglacial period is marked by strong changes in environment and climate in Europe, associated to the different steps of the deglaciation. This paper aims to reconstruct the vegetation and climate changes from the deglaciation to the early Holocene (15.2–10.8 ka cal BP) in Western Europe. Pollen investigations are performed at a centennial resolution on a sedimentary core from the Lapsou peat bog (Cantal, France). The chronology is well constrained from three radiocarbon dates and a double tephra layer. The pollen record and quantitative climate reconstructions evidence strong changes associated with the Lateglacial period, in agreement with the regional vegetation and climate dynamics. At the onset of Lateglacial Interstadial (14.5–14.1 ka cal BP), a Juniperus - Betula succession is attributed to the Bølling. Associated climate reconstructions indicate a winter warming of 10 °C and precipitations above 1000 mm. A development of Pinus forests is then evidenced for the Allerød, for which rather constant warm conditions and lower precipitations (drop of 200 mm) are reconstructed. A two-phase pattern characterizes the Younger Dryas (12.6–11.5 ka cal BP): after a first phase with rather constant vegetation and climate conditions compared to the Allerød, a more steppic vegetation developed from 12.2 ka cal BP, indicating a marked cooling and a pronounced aridity (precipitations around 400 mm). Finally, the reconstruction of a cool deciduous forest dominated by Betula and temperate climate conditions defines the early Holocene. A comparison with chironomid-inferred reconstructions of July temperature from the close La Roustière site allows to support pollen-inferred climate quantifications, also showing the interest of applying multi-proxy approach in palaeo-environmental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary sequence of La Narce du Béage Basin is one of the few natural archives covering the last 18 ka cal. BP in the French Massif Central. This paper focuses on the palaeoecological reconstruction of environmental and climatic changes affecting this shallow periglacial lake from the Late-Glacial to the Early Holocene. After field surveys and geophysical mapping, two cores (cores A and D) were extracted and dated. Plant macrofossils, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) and diatom assemblages were compared within the cores to study vegetation, temperature, pH, water level and ice cover changes through time. During the Oldest Dryas (18–14.75 ka cal. BP), climatic conditions were the coldest with a short ice-free season allowing the development of periphytic diatoms only (ecologically comparable to Arctic ones). A cold and dry steppe landscape – exposed to severe erosion – comprised an herbaceous and shrub flora (e.g. Artemisia , Chenopodiaceae, Helianthemum, Ephedra, Hippophaë, Juniperus). Animal presence is suggested by coprophilous fungi. Periphytic diatoms and allochtonous pollen (Cedrus) underline windy conditions, and the possible erosion of neo-formed soils. Then, during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial (14.75–12.7 ka cal. BP), the ice-free season increased and some trees/shrubs (Salix, Betula and Juniperus) established locally within open grasslands. During the Younger Dryas (12.7–11.7 ka cal. BP) cooler conditions favoured steppe taxa again (Helianthemum, Achillea, Artemisia , Caryophyllaceae, Ranunculaceae) and erosion increased. The ice cover on the lake prevailed even if the conditions were not as cold as during the Oldest Dryas. During the Preboreal (11.7–10 ka cal. BP) Isoëtes echinospora and I. lacustris developed in the eulittoral zone of the lake, which was surrounded by a swamp forest (with Betula nana and B. pubescens). Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana and trees from the Quercetum mixtum rapidly established in the uplands. Occurrences of Gaeumannomyces and Xylomyces fungi – both phytopathogens on broadleaved trees – and decreasing herb values indirectly hint at a close forest canopy. At the beginning of the Boreal (10 ka cal. BP), aquatic and semi-aquatic taxa developed on open water due to longer ice-free seasons (diatoms, micro-algae, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Potamogeton, Typha). The final terrestrialization towards a mire occurred as a consequence of the Holocene warming and related to water chemistry changes (acidification, eutrophication). • During the last deglaciation, a very shallow lake established as demonstrated by palaeoecological data, such as epiphytic diatoms, living on rocks. • Late-Glacial steppe landscape with severe erosion, open grassland and possible mega-herbivore presence. Arctic-like conditions. • Development of shrubs or trees during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial and reduced ice-free season. • Dry and cold conditions persisted from the Younger Dryas to the Early Preboreal. Oligotrophic flora (Isoetids) established in the eulittoral zone. • During the post-glacial warming, the lake tended to acidify. Peat flora and organic matter accumulated and led to the terrestrialization of the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] More than fifty years after the commercialization of the Ventolin metered-dose inhaler (MDI), its constituent active ingredient, salbutamol sulfate (SS), remains the most prescribed short-acting beta agonist for the first-line treatment of acute asthma attacks and the metered-dose inhaler remains its primary dosage form. The first generation of Ventolin MDI was developed at a time when environmental and regulatory concerns were less stringent than today. The MDI industry is now on the verge of a second major reformulation effort in response to environmental concerns. This paper serves to illustrate how modern computational modeling of molecular interactions can aid the reformulation process. By way of a case study, computational modeling was performed to compare poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG400) and, separately, isopropyl myristate (IPM) as substitutes for the ethanol used in some generic salbutamol sulfate suspension-based hydrofluoroalkane MDIs. PEG400 and IPM were investigated as potential alternative cosolvents to ethanol in HFA134a-based SS suspension MDI formulations. Density functional theory (DFT) molecular dynamics simulations were used to evaluate the compatibility of the candidate cosolvents with the formulation's components. Corresponding physical formulations were filled into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and, separately, aluminium canisters. In-vitro pharmaceutical product performance and macroscopic visual appearance were assessed and compared to the results of the simulation studies. The simulation studies indicated that PEG400 would be a good candidate as a replacement for ethanol whereas IPM would not. The in-vitro and visual assessments support the predicted outcome of the simulation studies. This work suggests that molecular dynamics simulations may provide a useful tool to aid the selection of compatible excipients when reformulating MDI suspension-based products, thereby reducing the time and cost associated with manufacturing and testing of physical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating the rate of genetic gain has in recent years become a key objective in plant breeding for the Global South, building on the availability of new data technologies and bridging biological interest in crop improvement with economic interest in enhancing the cost efficiency of breeding programs. This paper explains the concept of genetic gain, the conditions for its emerging status as an indicator of agricultural development and the broader implications of this move, with particular emphasis on the changing knowledge-control regimes of plant breeding, the social and political consequences for smallholder farmers and climate-adaptive agriculture. We analyse how prioritising the variables used to derive the indicator when deciding on agricultural policies affects the relationship between development goals and practice. We conclude that genetic gain should not be considered as a primary indicator of agricultural development in the absence of information on other key areas (including agrobiodiversity, seed systems and the differential impact of climate change on soil, crops and communities), as well as tools to evaluate the pros and cons of the acceleration in seed selection, management and evaluation fostered by the adoption of genetic gain as a key indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present the full sequence of Eemian succession from the Kozłów palaeolake – one of the key sites for Eemian Interglacial in this part of Poland. In the paper, previous palynological and diatom assessments were supplemented by further pollen, Cladocera and macrofossil analysis. This enabled detailed reconstruction of a palaeolake functioning under changes of climate and other environmental conditions during MIS 5e. All identified alterations of trophy, depth and aquatic vegetation within the reservoir point to dynamic changes in early stages of lake functioning, relatively stable conditions in mid-Eemian and gradual lake shallowing starting from Caprinus phase. Thus, Kozlów palaeolake joins the noble group of sites with exceptionally well-recognized multi-proxy records of the Eemian Interglacial environment, and has the potential to become a benchmark for this part of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of faunal communities of the past, and how they have changed to become what they are now, is fundamental to the understanding of the changes in ecosystems that we are witnessing and that are coming in the future. In this paper, we present the small mammal assemblage from Grotta del Sambuco (Massa Marittima, Grosseto), belonging to two archaeologic stratigraphic Units, 5 and 6, both dated to Marine Isotope Stage 2. The assemblage from Unit 6 can be defined as "non-analogue", due to the occurrence of the Narrow-headed Vole Lasiopodomys anglicus and the Southern Birch Mouse Sicista subtilis. Non-analogue communities (i.e., with no equivalent in present time) are frequent during Late Pleistocene in the Italian Peninsula. Starting with Grotta del Sambuco, we describe some of the different factors leading to the origins and disappearance of past non-analogue small mammal assemblages in Italy. Climatic changes and the consequent shifts in geographic distributions of the species play a major role in shaping these communities, eventually leading to extirpation and extinction of cold- or continental-adapted species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fact that innovative capitalism needs institutional co-evolution has widely been recognized with respect to pro-active institutional adaptations. Examples are the rearrangement and safeguarding of supply chains or the creation of public institutions providing indispensable systemic infrastructure. These adaptations facilitate the innovative expansion of capitalism. Less attention has been paid to the fact that institutional co-evolution is also necessary where the repercussions of major innovative breakthroughs trigger social tensions and environmental damages or ecological hazards. The present paper is therefore devoted to an investigation of the latter kind of institutional co-evolution. These adaptations are usually reactive ones because critical side effects of innovations often only turn out with a delay. The causal nexus between the dynamics of innovative capitalism and the emergence of critical situations that require re-active institutional adaptations will be discussed by means of two examples. One is the crisis of the global commons, most notable the global climate change. The other example is the recent mass migration crisis. Finally, the policy options regarding necessary institutional adaptations will briefly be outlined for the two examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dairy industry requires substantial energy resources at all stages of production and supply to meet consumer needs in terms of quantity, quality and food safety. The expected future climate change effects will cause serious uncertainty to the dairy industry. Adapting to these upcoming conditions is a challenge and one that is compounded by the continuous increase in food demand, as a result of global population growth. Predictably, under current conditions, this situation might lead to a significant increase in the energy requirements of the dairy industry. Therefore, there is a clear need to mitigate energy use through enhanced energy conservation, waste reduction and waste management. This review paper presents and discusses alternative dairy operations and mitigation strategies that have the potential to lead the dairy industry towards net-zero carbon emissions. Further, the focus of this work turns to supply chain energy modelling (SCEM) as means to mitigate energy use, while relevant work in the literature is reviewed. Supply chain energy models can provide a complete overview of the energy demand and the energy mix of a dairy supply chain. Additionally, they can highlight the most energy consuming processes and allow the evaluation of alternative energy-saving operations that can lead towards the net-zero carbon target. Overall, the development or use of computational tools for simulating the energy demand in the industry has strong potential for improving sustainability across the dairy supply chain. • Insight on climate change effects on the dairy supply chain and impact on energy demand. • Understanding the relevance and importance of the "net-zero" carbon emissions target in the dairy supply chain. • Identification of novel energy mitigation strategies across the dairy supply chain. • Importance of developing supply chain energy models (SCEM) to address energy mitigation in the dairy sector. • Evaluation of modelling techniques to develop or deliver supply chain energy models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, climate change is a challenge for the dairy sector and its effects are expected to have important consequences on the environmental performance of the dairy products value chains. At the same time, this sector significantly contributes to global warming and other environmental impacts. This paper addresses this twin challenge from a life cycle perspective, i.e. covering from dairy farms, dairy factory, distribution and retail, to consumption. To do so, literature reviews were done on the contribution of the sector to climate change and on the biophysical impacts of climate change on the dairy sector in the near term in Europe. Both reviews were linked to qualitatively analyse the interaction and connect in a matrix the biophysical impacts caused by the effects of climate change on the environmental performance of the sector. Not surprisingly, dairy farms were identified as the major contributor to the total greenhouse gas emissions across the dairy value chains but also as the most vulnerable stage to climate change. Depending on the region, the dairy sector will face opportunities but also threats such as significant cows' heat stress, crop cultivation variability, on-farm water availability, cows' diseases, crop pests' pressure and product safety risk, which is associated with product losses and waste. Measures will be needed to mitigate them but with an environmental cost. The clear definition of the dairy sector-climate change interaction is the starting point to begin preparing this sector for a near-future under climate change conditions. • Climate change effects influences the dairy sector's environmental performance. • Dairy farm stage is the main contributor to climate change and the most vulnerable. • The European dairy sector will experience unequally the opportunities and threats. • Climate change will raise food safety risk, raw milk losses and dairy product waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food systems are both affecting and being affected by climate change. Anticipated effects of climate change on microbial food safety are both direct (e.g., on microbial prevalence) and indirect (e.g., increased risk of floods on water microbial contamination). This paper highlights the necessity to build a quantitative framework to evaluate the effects of climate change on microbial food safety. The tools available from the fields of climate modelling and predictive microbiology are analysed, knowledge gaps and data needs are identified. Moreover, key sources of uncertainty are underlined by emphasising on the importance of an integrated study of the uncertainties involved. Due to the high complexity of both climate change and microbial dynamics, a multidisciplinary research approach is essential. After selecting one food product and location to focus on, the appropriate climate change projections relative to microbial dynamics need to be determined and generated. The development of the impact model is based on the relationship between environmental pathogen prevalence and dispersal and climatic factors. This is linked with the impact of climatic factors on microbial dynamics. These mechanisms remain poorly understood. The knowledge gap of the mechanisms regarding food microbial contamination and the role of climatic variables remains unexplored. Since controlled experiments on the climate system are challenging, international collaboration is imperative to gather the appropriate observational datasets. Moreover, identifying and evaluating the sources of uncertainty is critical to build reliable models. • Key challenges for obtaining climate projections are presented. • The application potential of predictive microbiology models is underlined. • Climate change impact assessments require a rigorous uncertainty analysis. • International effort is key for obtaining dedicated climate-microbial datasets. • A quantitative framework would contribute to the resilience of the food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are critical technical measures to effectively mitigate the global climate change problem. However, most of the existing research has focused on the capture end and lacks in-depth analysis of subsequent processes such as compression, leading to limitations in the improvement of system economics. Therefore, a novel CCS system for a 300 MW coal-fired power plant was proposed in this paper with two strategies: (1) a CCS system integrating CO 2 refrigeration cycle (CFPP-CCS-CRC); and (2) a CCS co-generation plant integrating CO 2 refrigeration cycle (CHP-CCS-CRC). The proposed systems' performance was comparatively evaluated by applying energy, exergy, and economic (3E) analyses. The results demonstrated that at different CO 2 capture percentages (13.1 %∼72.9 %), the CHP-CCS-CRC system has improved energy utilization efficiency by 1.2 %∼5.6 % and exergy efficiency by 7.7 %∼25.8 %, compared to the conventional CCUS system (CFPP-CCS). In particular, at a percentage of 13.1 %, the combined energy consumption of the CHP-CCS-CRC system was 0.39 GJ/tCO 2 , a 79 % reduction compared to 1.87 GJ/tCO 2 of the CFPP-CCS system, which resulted in a static payback period of less than 2 years. In general, the newly proposed system features more adequate energy utilization, lower operating costs, and higher economic efficiency. [Display omitted] • A novel CCUS system coupled with CO 2 refrigeration were proposed. • The performance of the proposed systems is comparatively evaluated by 3E analysis. • The energy consumption of the proposed CCUS systems is reduced by 29.24 %–79 %. • The exergy efficiency of the proposed CCUS systems is reduced by 7.7 %–25.8 %. • The static payback period for the proposed systems is reduced to less than 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The proposed tropical cyclone model is completely driven by a set of environmental variables. • This model reproduces the spatial and temporal characteristics of observed tropical cyclones. • The model achieves remarkable balance between computational complexity and efficiency. • This model will provide decision-makers with valuable information regarding potential wind-induced hazards. • When future climate data are fed into this model, the impact of climate change on tropical cyclones can be evaluated. This paper presents an environment-driven tropical cyclone (TC) model for the Western North Pacific basin, which comprises a revised Poisson regression genesis model, a tailored beta-advection track model, and a fast intensity model. The TC model reproduces the temporal and spatial distributions of genesis events, the motion pattern of tracks, as well as the intensity evolutions along tracks. Risk analyses for Hong Kong and along the southeast coastline of mainland China demonstrate that this model can simulate extreme TC events with high fidelity. And the Gaussian mixture model outperforms the Frank Copula in approximating the joint distributions of the annual maximum wind speeds and the corresponding wind directions. This model is driven by a set of environmental variables including relative vorticity, relative humidity, sea surface temperature, vertical wind shear, potential intensity, sub mixed layer depth stratification, mixture layer depth and so on. This enables the model to not only reproduce historical records, but also make predictions for future TC behaviors under climate change with combination of global climate models. Besides, the computational efficiency of the TC model is comparable to traditional purely statistical models. The proposed model can also be coupled with other natural hazard models to conduct multi-hazard analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An LRFD framework for embankments considering climate change effects is established. • Additional partial factors are introduced to account for the climate change effects. • Non-stationary maximum flood depth is developed using a peak-over-threshold method. • Embankment reliability is evaluated against overtopping and slope failure. • The proposed framework can serve as a reference for future code design. Riverine floods have become increasingly prevalent on a global scale, posing significant risks to infrastructure systems and communities. The escalating impacts of climate change associated with the increase in rainfall intensities and frequencies necessitate the improvement of the existing design methodologies to account for the non-stationary climate change effects to ensure that the reliability is above the target level and mitigate future flood disasters. This paper presents a novel LRFD approach for river embankments subjected to extreme rainfall under non-stationary climate change effects. This approach introduces an additional partial factor to account for the effects of climate change. Precipitation and temperature projections are collected from various climate models considering several cases of emission scenarios. An integrated hydrological and hydraulic modeling of the analyzed river is carried out to estimate the associated time-variant river discharge and water surface elevation. The non-stationary extreme value associated with the maximum flood level is leveraged using the peak-over-threshold approach. The embankment reliability and the corresponding most probable points are evaluated using limit states associated with overtopping and slope failures. Based on the estimated and target reliability indexes, the design point for each random variable is assessed considering the cases with and without climate change effects. Finally, the partial factors associated with climate change effects are determined. As an illustrative example, the proposed framework is applied to the Ashida River in Fukuyama city of Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physics-based deterministic tropical cyclone (TC) simulation models play an important role in TC risk analysis, for their unique capability to represent physical principles and incorporate climate change impacts. However, establishing effective deterministic models can be challenging. In this paper, we present a simple yet powerful framework that distills physics-based TC models from historical TC data. By treating TC evolutions as dynamical systems, we adaptively discover the TC track and intensity governing equations from historical TC and environmental data via the Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics (SINDy) approach. Our proposed TC-SINDy approach is able to identify parsimonious, interpretable yet effective physics-based TC models. Compared to alternative physics-based deterministic models, our models match historical records much better in terms of the intensity evolution, prevailing tracks, and key parameter statistics across the coastlines of the Western North Pacific (WNP) basin and the North Atlantic (NA) basin. Our proposed models were finally coupled with a widely used parametric wind field, and the obtained probabilistic distribution of the surface wind also matched the historical histograms. Overall, the proposed method presents a general data-driven framework for discovering physics-based TC models, enabling reliable effective TC simulations while reserving the capacity to accommodate the changing climate. • Data-driven improvement to physics-based deterministic tropical cyclone (TC) models. • Maintain physical consistency and applicability to climate change. • Sparse machine learning to discover TC governing equations from historical data. • Results outperform existing deterministic models in both WNP and NA basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SEM models interactions among climate, forest composition, deer, and recreation. • Climate change will cause a shift from boreal to temperate species. • Forest composition affects recreation in the presence of climate and deer. • Climate, mainly temperature, affects both forest composition and recreation. • Model results could help inform better climate adaptation strategies. Climate change will likely cause changes in the composition of forests worldwide, with consequent impacts on forest ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide. In northeastern Minnesota, climate change will likely cause a shift from boreal to temperate forest by the end of the century. Such a shift will affect species populations such as deer and outdoor recreation, a valuable ecosystem service with over $4 billion in annual expenditures in hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. In this paper, a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework is used to model four key variables, climate change, deer, forest composition, and outdoor recreation, as an interactive system with data from the Laurentian Mixed Forest (LMF) region of Minnesota. A series of SEM models of increasing complexity are used to draw out the individual and system level effects. The results show: a strong empirical relationship between forest composition and recreation; climate affects both forest composition and recreation, mainly through temperature effects; deer affects both forest composition and recreation. A systems modeling approach like SEM is needed because there are important complex interactions, such as the effect of deer on forest composition and of forest composition on deer. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasingly severe challenges of global climate change and sustainable development, accurate prediction of daily carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions has become crucial. However, current research on real-time daily forecasts remains relatively scarce, often limited to annual predictions and point estimates. This paper proposes an innovative integrated model, based on quantile regression and Attention-Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BILSTM), specifically designed for probabilistic prediction of daily carbon emissions. Testing the model on daily carbon emission data from major carbon-emitting countries including China, the United States, India, Russia, and Italy has demonstrated its superior performance across various metrics, including mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and normalized average width of prediction intervals (PINAW), compared to other benchmark models. This achievement not only highlights the model's effectiveness in predicting daily carbon emissions but also provides policymakers with a powerful tool for real-time monitoring and assessment of carbon emissions. Furthermore , the application of probabilistic forecasting methods enables decision-makers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential range of future carbon emissions, providing strong support for the formulation of targeted policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads play a vital role in transportation systems, and their construction and maintenance expenses are high. Those reasons make crucial the examination of factors that accelerate road deterioration and those factors' negative impacts on societies. Climatic-related elements, especially temperature and precipitation, significantly affect the quality and lifespans of roads. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is causing changes in climate and that the rate of change has accelerated during the past several decades. To assess the impacts of changing climatic parameters on flexible-pavement performance, this study used 32 climate models to evaluate the performance of interstate, primary, and secondary roads across 11 diverse locations with varying traffic and climatic conditions. The study's findings reveal that changing climate exacerbates pavement distresses, leading to reduced pavement lifespans and increased numbers of reconstruction projects, which in turn raise demands for materials and equipment and contribute to higher GHG emissions. The effects of changing climate and changing climate's associated economic and environmental costs make the application of various engineering solutions to enhance pavement resilience essential, as described in this paper, in the absence of comprehensive emissions reduction strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]