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Scenarios for future climate predict an increase in precipitation amounts and frequency of rain events, resulting in higher air humidity and soil moisture at high latitudes, including in northern Europe. We analysed the effects of artificially elevated environmental humidity (air relative humidity and soil moisture) on leaf gas exchange, water relations, growth and phenology of silver birch (Betula pendula) trees growing at the free air humidity manipulation experimental site situated in the hemiboreal vegetation zone, in eastern Estonia, with no occurring water deficit to the trees. The environmental humidity manipulation did not significantly affect the water relations traits but did affect some leaf gas exchange parameters, growth and phenology of the trees. Elevated air humidity (H) did not influence photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance, while the trees exhibited higher stomatal sensitivity to leaf-to-air vapour pressure difference compared with the trees at ambient conditions (C) or at elevated soil moisture (I). H trees demonstrated reduced height growth and foliage biomass, increased allocation to stem radial growth and prolonged leaf retention in autumn compared with the C trees. Increased air humidity supports longer leaf retention and growth period, but this does not translate into increased growth parameters at the tree level. The changes in tree growth in response to increasing atmospheric humidity could plausibly be explained by (i) retardation of foliage development and (ii) changes in resource allocation, causing a shift in the ratio of photosynthetic to non-photosynthetic tissues in favour of the latter. Under high atmospheric evaporative demand, higher stomatal sensitivity in H trees induces faster stomatal closure, which may result in carbon starvation. A future rise in atmospheric humidity at high latitudes may lead to reduced tree growth and forest productivity, in contrast to the predicted future of forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater is a source of freshwater that affects the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and consequently human health. Since potential toxic elements (PTEs) have been found in rainwater in Southern Europe, its quality should be evaluated. This review assesses the current knowledge of the quality of rainwater in Southern Europe concerning PTEs, as well as its impact on the environment and human health. The presence of PTEs in rainwater poses challenges and simultaneously an opportunity for innovation in environmental management, particularly in water management. Further monitoring of rainwater quality, research, and policy development are needed to ensure that rainwater remains a viable and safe water resource. The challenges of rainwater quality regarding PTEs and of rainwater harvesting as a measure of drought mitigation, as observed in Southern Europe, require investing in rainwater treatment technologies. The treatment of rainwater harvested in Southern Europe can reduce environmental and health risks posed by PTEs, while enhancing the region's resilience to climate change and water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel taxes are seen as an important instrument in the fight against climate change, including in the European Green Deal. From a social-ecological policy perspective, it is important to understand current high levels of public opposition to fuel taxes. If social disadvantage is an important driver of opposition, this would strengthen arguments that fuel taxes need to be designed in a fairer way. However, it remains unclear how important social disadvantage – here defined as a combination of low income, fuel poverty risk, low education, low occupational status and job insecurity – is for explaining opposition compared to factors such as political trust and climate change attitudes, and how the role of social disadvantage varies with welfare regimes in Europe. In this article, we examine how strongly social disadvantage is associated with opposition to fuel taxes once political trust and climate change attitudes are controlled for, and we compare results across welfare regimes. The article uses data from the 2016 European Social Survey and employs logistic regression and decomposition analysis. We find that social disadvantage contributes nearly as much to fuel tax opposition as climate change attitudes and political trust together, with 10.9 and 16.6 percentage points respectively. However, the role of social disadvantage varies by welfare regime. It matters most in Southern and Eastern Europe, where opposition is particularly high, as are poverty and inequality. We discuss implications for social-ecological policy strategies that aim to increase public acceptability of fuel taxes in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater sustains human well-being and ecosystems functioning. Many regions in Europe have experienced declining groundwater levels caused by decreasing groundwater recharge (GWR) or increasing groundwater abstractions (GWAs). These changes can lead to groundwater-related stress, threatening ecosystems and water supplies. Existing groundwater stress indicators estimate stress during a given period but do not address how stress changes or show the uncertainty of future stress. We propose a novel indicator of future groundwater stress (GWSI) due to changes in GWR and GWA and, thus, the alteration of long-term mean annual groundwater discharge (GWD). Groundwater stress is defined as any alteration in GWD since ecosystems are adapted to an equilibrium state. Focusing on decreasing GWD, which is generally more harmful than increasing GWD, we quantified the future GWSI in Europe by integrating scenarios of GWR and GWA in 2070–2099. GWR was evaluated using an ISIMIP2b multi-model ensemble of eight global hydrological models driven by the output of four global climate models under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios. GWA scenarios for irrigation, domestic and manufacturing sectors were combined with the GWR projections to generate an ensemble of GWSIs, simplified into three groundwater stress scenarios (high, intermediate, low). Projected GWSIs vary significantly among the scenarios. For the high-stress scenario, 58% of Europe's land area is projected to experience a GWD decrease of at least 25% under RCP8.5 compared to 38% under RCP2.6, while the respective values are 26 and 1% for the intermediate-stress scenario. Groundwater demand management alone might not prevent GWD declines under the high-stress and intermediate scenarios, particularly under RCP8.5. Therefore, climate change mitigation might imperative for reducing the decline of GWD, especially in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, where changes in GWR are projected to be the primary cause of declining GWD (in the high abstraction scenario under RCP8.5). Under RCP2.6, reductions in GWAs by 25–75% might balance a GWD decline in parts of Spain and Italy where GWAs are high, even in the high-stress scenario. In line with the precautionary principle, we recommend adapting to the high-stress scenario to minimize harm to the beneficiaries of groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights innovative efforts to engage children in climate education through gamified learning, such as the iBiome game series and the League for Green Leaders competition. It explores how these tools encourage environmental literacy, foster sustainable habits, and empower children to reduce carbon footprints through interactive experiences. It underscores the program's success in inspiring children across North America, Europe, and Asia to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes.

The rapid growth of international student mobility has attracted much research on the many benefits it offers to students, higher education institutions, and societies in general. However, studies on the costs and potential tribulations caused by mobility are comparatively rare, despite increasing evidence of such costs inherent in the marketization of higher education. Furthermore, the few existing studies are predominantly framed in terms of consumerism and the commodification of education, but they give less attention to mobility in the context of wider social issues. The climate crisis is foremost among such social impacts, with the extensive air travel inherent in global mobility patterns causing significant damage, combined with curricula, pedagogies, and institutional strategy that are either ambivalent or contradictory on the climate crisis. This paper examines international student mobility in European higher education to better understand how the environmental costs of higher education can be conceptualized in policy and practice. It contrasts policies and practices that promote international student mobility in Europe—in which mobility has aspects of what are commonly referred to as "public goods"—with initiatives that promote mobility to Europe, which illustrate a historic and ongoing entanglement between European colonialism, higher education, and climate change. It concludes with reflections on possibilities for greater sustainability in international student mobility in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to predict changes in the right tail of daily precipitation distributions over short time periods, as well as the probability of clustering extreme values, is critical for current risk management. In the present study, we apply the well-established metric average value-at-risk (AVaR) for the first time within the field of climatology. We also investigate the evolution of the return level (RL) and the extremal index (EI), which we refer to as risk measures. In the case of precipitation processes, a rise in the first two and a reduction in the third may result in increased hazards. These methods were applied to the new data on the daily sum of precipitation from the region of Upper Vistula in Poland from 1951 to 2020 to analyze the dynamics of changes across time. We found that AVaR and RL have the smallest values for the middle of the analyzed period (years 1971–2010), while EI has a maximal value around 1963–92. Both the beginning and the end of the investigated period are characterized by more extreme and clustered precipitation events. Furthermore, this paper includes some recommendations for the tools used to compute the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors amplified by climate change contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, such as individuals with rare diseases. Researchers require innovative, dynamic data linkage methods to enable the development of risk prediction models, particularly for diseases like vasculitis with unknown aetiology but potential environmental triggers. In response, we present the Semantic Environmental and Rare Disease Data Integration Framework (SERDIF). SERDIF was evaluated with researchers studying climate-related health hazards of vasculitis disease activity across European countries (NP1 = 10, NP2 = 17, NP3 = 23). Usability metrics consistently improved, indicating SERDIF's effectiveness in linking complex environmental and health datasets. Furthermore, SERDIF-enabled epidemiologists to study environmental factors in a pregnancy cohort in Lombardy, showcasing its versatility beyond rare diseases. This framework offers for the first time a user-friendly, FAIR-compliant design for environment-health data linkage with export capabilities enabling data analysis to mitigate health risks posed by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical care significantly contributes to healthcare-associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Surgeon attitudes about mitigation of the impact of surgical practice on environmental sustainability remains poorly understood. To better understand surgeon perspectives globally, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery established a joint Sustainability in Surgical Practice (SSP) Task Force and distributed a survey on sustainability. Methods: Our survey asked about (1) surgeon attitudes toward sustainability, (2) ability to estimate the carbon footprint of surgical procedures and supplies, (3) concerns about the negative impacts of sustainable interventions, (4) willingness to change specific practices, and (5) preferred educational topics and modalities. Questions were primarily written in Likert-scale format. A clustering analysis was performed to determine whether survey respondents could be grouped into distinct subsets to inform future outreach and education efforts. Results: We received 1024 responses, predominantly from North America and Europe. The study revealed that while 63% of respondents were motivated to enhance the sustainability of their practice, less than 10% could accurately estimate the carbon footprint of surgical activities. Most were not concerned that sustainability efforts would negatively impact their practice and showed readiness to adopt proposed sustainable practices. Online webinars and modules were the preferred educational methods. A clustering analysis identified a group particularly concerned yet willing to adopt sustainable changes. Conclusion: Surgeons believe that operating room waste is a critical issue and are willing to change practice to improve it. However, there exists a gap in understanding the environmental impact of surgical procedures and supplies, and a sizable minority have some degree of concern about potential adverse consequences of implementing sustainable policies. This study uniquely provides an international, multidisciplinary snapshot of surgeons' attitudes, knowledge, concerns, willingness, and preferred educational modalities related to mitigating the environmental impact of surgical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone is an air pollutant that poses a public health problem in Europe. Climate change could increase the formation of ozone. Applying past and predicted annual total (all-cause) mortality data and modeled daily ozone concentrations, we performed a nationwide health impact assessment estimating annual ozone-related (attributable) deaths in Austria. Different approaches were compared. Estimates were based on maximal 1-h averages of ozone. Until the decade from 2045 till 2055, more people will die in Austria because of the demographic trends. Therefore, more deaths will also be attributable to ozone. Higher greenhouse gas emission scenarios (e.g. Representative Concentration Pathway RCP8.5 compared to RCP2.6) will lead to more ozone-related deaths, mostly due to the national emission of ozone precursors (a difference of 250–340 cases per year, depending on the model), but to a lesser extent because of global climate change. Increases in attributable deaths will be affected mostly by national, not global mitigation measures. National emission reduction will certainly have a strong and beneficial effect on local atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Changing dietary patterns is essential to reducing the substantial environment impact of agriculture and food production systems. We performed a cross-country comparison of dietary patterns and their associated environmental impact in Europe, including by sociodemographic factors. Methods We analyzed pooled cross-sectional dietary records collected during 2010–18 from 10 European countries using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European Food Database (16 508 adults; aged 18–79 years). Each food consumed was mapped to the corresponding environmental impact data using the SHARP Indicators Database, which provides greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) and land use (LU) values of approximately 900 foods. Total diet-associated environmental impact was calculated for each person and averaged across multiple days. Multivariable linear regression models were used to compare diet-associated GHGE and LU between population subgroups (gender, age, education and diet type) with country-level fixed effects. Results The mean dietary GHGE and LU per capita ranged from 4.0 kgCO2/day and 5.0 m2*year/day in Spain to 6.5 kgCO2eq/day and 8.2 m2*year/day in France. Diet-related GHGE and LU (per kg/food) were lower among females (2.6 kgCO2eq/day, B = −0.08, P  < 0.01; 3.2 m2*year/day, B = −0.11, P  < 0.01), older population aged 66–79 (2.6 kgCO2eq/day, B = −0.03, P  < 0.01; 3.4 m2*year/day, B = −0.4, P  < 0.01), people following vegetarian diets (1.7 kgCO2eq/day, B = −0.07, P  < 0.01; 2.0 m2*year/day, B = −0.07, P  < 0.01), and higher among individuals with secondary education (2.7 kgCO2eq/day, B  = 0.05, P  < 0.01; 3.6 m2*year/day, B = −0.05, P  < 0.01). Conclusions Environmental footprints vary substantially across countries, dietary patterns and between different sociodemographic groups in Europe. These findings are crucial for the development of country-specific food policies aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to explore climate change as a decisive element for the transition from feudalism toward capitalism and considers the Marxist transition debate as a framework. In order to avoid the deterministic trap, climate must be considered as a condition framing the historical possibilities in a dialectical relationship with human historical agents. Thus, this paper explores the interactions between medieval English society, focusing on land use and class relation, and the conditions imposed by nature, particularly the change in rainfall and the transformation of ecological conditions around the North Sea Basin, especially on England's east coast. Through the course of this research, we found out that the climate change that happened in the 14th century is one important condition for the rise of capitalism, as it creates certain pressures on both peasant and manorial economies that exacerbate their contradictions and sets a course for profound societal change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe accounts for 51% of international tourist arrivals and the tourism industry provides about 10% of workplaces in Europe. Tourism will be impacted by climate change in a diverse number of ways. At the same time, tourism is also a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this article is, therefore, to provide an assessment of climate and carbon risks for the European tourism industry based on a systematic literature review. Climate risk is the dominant category with 313 papers (74%), while 110 papers (26%) were on carbon risks. The following gaps were identified: geographical gaps, especially in countries of the former Soviet Union and former Yugoslavia; a lack of coherent studies on national tourism's and its sub-sectors' emissions; research addressing how climate policies might affect tourism demand; assessments of the integrated carbon and climate risks; lack of evidence on the link between tourism climate indicators and tourism demand; lack of climate change and tourism studies addressing policy and institutional tools for adaptation and implementation of adaptation measures in destinations; and research on rising sea levels and coastal erosion and its impacts on tourism destinations and demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to share and proclaim the activities and outputs of the international project 'SOS Climate Waterfront', which was carried out interdisciplinary with the support of the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) within the framework of the Research and Innovation Staff Exchange Program (RISE) between 2019 and 2023. The project aimed to address the issues of waterfront cities facing climate change in Europe and create a common sense in problem solving. It sought to bring together not only the universities and the academics seeking adaptation and contribution in combating climate change but also relevant NGO’s, municipalities, professionals, citizens, and all related stakeholders interested in the subject. Specialist representatives of partner institutions with diverse backgrounds in the project formed mixed working groups. They developed proposals aimed at increasing the resilience of the selected European waterfront cities to climate change in nine different one-month period workshops held in Rome (2), Gdansk (2), Stockholm (1), Thessaloniki (2), and Lisbon (2). These proposals were then presented to relevant stakeholders through various conferences within the project scope. The paper discusses the objectives and scope of the project, as well as the proposals developed and refined during each workshop focusing on climate change, the activities carried out, and the project output books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the relationships between soil moisture, cloud cover, solar radiation, air temperature and humidity, and precipitation during the warm half of the year in East‐Central Europe over the years 1971–2020. The temporal and spatial variability of these meteorological elements is presented in association with the occurrence of anticyclonic blocking events over the study area. It demonstrates that changes in soil moisture in East‐Central Europe point to the combined influence of many meteorological factors resulting from the atmospheric circulation, and are an indicator of the comprehensive relationships among those factors. The main factors affecting soil water content are precipitation and evapotranspiration, which in turn depend on air humidity, cloudiness, intensity of solar radiation and air temperature. The increase in the frequency and duration of sequences of days with blocking events in East‐Central Europe has contributed to an increased probability of longer periods with soil moisture negative anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a period of 30 years (1993–2022), headwater catchments in the Slavkov Forest (Czech Republic) exhibited a robust increase in stream water DOC (dissolved organic carbon) concentrations following a significant reduction in acidic atmospheric deposition. Sulfur deposition decreased from 34 kg ha−1 yr−1 in 1993 to 2.6 kg ha−1 yr−1 in 2022. Three Norway-spruce-dominated research sites—Černý Potok (CEP), a 15.2 ha peatbog catchment, Lysina (LYS), a 27.3 ha granitic catchment, and Pluhův Bor (PLB), a 21.6 ha serpentinite catchment, were investigated. The three–year average DOC concentration increased from 48.2 mg L−1 (1993–1995) to 68.3 mg L−1 (2020–2022) at CEP (0.69 mg L−1 yr−1). LYS showed an increase from 16.9 mg L−1 to 25.4 mg L−1 (0.30 mg L−1 yr−1 annually). The largest increase was recorded at PLB, with an increase from 15.7 mg L−1 to 36.7 mg L−1 (0.89 mg L−1 yr−1). A decline in ionic strength was identified as the main driver of the DOC increase. The annual runoff declined significantly at CEP and LYS from 465 mm to 331 mm as a result of rising air temperatures and reduced precipitation between 2014 and 2022. PLB (average of 266 mm) did not show a statistically significant decline. Recently, PLB experienced significant deforestation that likely lowered transpiration and thus increased catchment runoff. As a result, DOC fluxes did not change significantly at CEP (average 210 kg ha−1 yr−1) and LYS (90 kg ha −1 yr−1). However, PLB's DOC flux more than doubled, increasing from 44 to 106 kg ha−1 yr−1. Drivers connected with global change, such as increasing temperatures, or potential chemical drivers, such as reductions in Al concentrations and pH changes, were not able to explain the observed changes in DOC concentra tions and fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over centuries, European vintners have developed a profound knowledge about grapes, environment, and techniques that yield the most distinguishable wines. In many regions, this knowledge is reflected in the system of wine geographical indications (GI), but climate change is challenging this historical union. Here, we present a climate change vulnerability assessment of 1085 wine GIs across Europe and propose climate-resilient development pathways using an ensemble of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. Results indicate that wine regions in Southern Europe are among the most vulnerable, with high levels also found in Eastern Europe. Vulnerability is influenced by the rigidity of the GI system, which restricts grape variety diversity and thus contributes to an increased sensitivity to climate change. Contextual deficiencies, such as limited socioeconomic resources, may further contribute to increased vulnerability. Building a climate-resilient wine sector will require rethinking the GI system by allowing innovation to compensate for the negative effects of climate change. EU wine geographical indications are bound to a strict regulatory system, limiting their potential to adapt to climate change. In this study, analysis of social, environmental and economic characteristics of over 1000 EU wine regions suggests that innovation and flexibility are key to increase the resilience of European viticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number and intensity of heat waves have increased in the recent past, along with anthropogenic climate change. This poses challenges to many communities and raises the need to develop adaptation measures based on more accurate information regarding regional to local changes in temperature extremes and their impacts. While the general increase in global mean temperature is well established, current global climate projections show a large model spread regarding possible future circulation changes. To isolate the more certain thermodynamic response from the less certain dynamical response to anthropogenic climate change, we employ an event-based storyline approach comprising three steps. Firstly, the large-scale circulation in the free troposphere was spectrally nudged to the ERA5-reanalyses in the global coupled climate model AWI-CM-1.1-MR for a recent period (2017–2022), corresponding to +1.4 K global warming, and repeated under pre-industrial, +2 K, +3 K, and +4 K global warming climates. Secondly, the global storylines were dynamically downscaled with the regional ICON-CLM model to the Euro-CORDEX domain with a horizontal resolution of 12 km and, thirdly, to a Central-European (German) domain with a resolution of 3 km. The present study focuses on the 2019 summer heatwaves over Central Europe. We demonstrate the added value of downscaling global storyline integrations, indicating a significant improvement in present-day temperature patterns and a reduced error in daily 2 m temperature relative to observations in Central Europe. The magnitude of the heatwave temperature response significantly exceeds the globally modelled background warming, with a distinct spatial and temporal variation in the regional increments. Our simulations indicate a general linear dependency of the 2 m temperature response to the global warming level: the warming rates during the July 2019 heatwave ranged between factors of 2 and 3 in Central Europe, resulting in an anthropogenic warming of 8 to 12 °C in the +4 K climate. The spatial extent and the duration of the heat wave are also amplified in the warmer climates. With this three-step downscaling approach, we gain new insights into possible future changes in heat extremes in Central Europe, which apparently surpass global warming trends. Along with its scientific value, our method provides ways to facilitate communication of regional climate change information to the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unquestionably, the rapidly changing climate and, therefore, alterations in the associated bioclimate, constitute an alarming reality with implications for daily practice and natural capital management. This research displays the present and projected bioclimate evolution over Greece's phytogeographical regions. For this purpose, ultrahigh-resolution computation results on the spatial distribution of the Emberger index's Q2 classes of bioclimatic characterization are analyzed and illustrated for the first time. The assessments are performed over the reference period (1970–2000) and two future time frames (2021–2040; 2041–2060) under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. By 2060 and under the extreme RCP8.5, intense xerothermic trends are demonstrated owing to the resulting significant spatial evolution mainly of the Arid–Hot, Semi-Arid–Very Hot, Semi-Arid–Hot, and Semi-Arid–Temperate Q2 classes, respectively, over the phytogeographical regions of Kiklades (up to 29% occupation), Kriti and Karpathos (up to 30%), West Aegean Islands (up to 26%), North East (up to 56%), and North Central (up to 31%). The RCP8.5 long-term period exhibits the strongest impacts over approximately the right half of the Greek territory, with the bioclimate appearing more dry–thermal in the future. In conclusion, the Emberger index provides an in-depth view of the Greek area's bioclimatic regime and the potential alterations due to climate change per phytogeographical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current rates of climate change and gloomy climate projections confront managers and conservation planners with the need to integrate climate change into already complex decision‐making processes. Predicting and prioritizing climatically stable areas and the areas likely to facilitate adaptive species’ range adjustments are important stages in maximizing conservation outcomes and rationalizing future land management. I determined, for the most threatened European terrestrial mammal species, the spatial adaptive trajectories (SATs) of highest expected persistence up to 2080. I devised simple spatial network indices for evaluation of species in those SATs: total persistence; proportion of SATs that offer in situ adaptation (i.e., stable refugia); number of SATs converging in a site; and relationship between SAT convergence and persistence and protected areas, the Natura 2000 and Emerald networks, and areas of low human disturbance. I compared the performance of high‐persistence SATs with a scenario in which each species remained in the areas with the best climatic conditions in the baseline period. The 1000 most persistence SATs for each of the 39 species covered one fifth of Europe. The areas with the largest adaptive potential (i.e., high persistence, stability, and SAT convergence) did not always overlap for all the species. Predominantly, these regions were located in southwestern Europe, Central Europe, and Scandinavia, with some occurrences in Eastern Europe. For most species, persistence in the most climatically suitable areas during the baseline period was lower than within SATs, underscoring their reliance on adaptive movements. Importantly, conservation areas (particularly protected areas) covered only minor fractions of species persistence among SATs, and hubs of spatial climate adaptation (i.e., areas of high SAT convergence) were seriously underrepresented in most conservation areas. These results highlight the need to perform analyses on spatial species’ dynamics under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A warmer climate with drier summers will affect the suitability of tree species in their current range in most of Europe. To preserve ecosystem services in the future, many European countries are looking for tree species adapted to the expected future climate and are setting up trials to test them in different environments. In collaboration with forest practitioners and federal and regional authorities, we have established a network of 57 common gardens across large environmental gradients in Switzerland. Over a period of 30 to 50 years, the vitality, growth and survival of 18 tree species from 117 seed sources will be monitored to develop tree species recommendations for forest managers. In this article, we outline the considerations, challenges and trade-offs involved in designing this experiment, as well as the participatory process with a variety of stakeholders, from local foresters to the Federal Office for the Environment. Further, we list experiments testing multiple species on multiple sites in Europe and compare experimental designs, tree species and environmental gradients. The Swiss common garden network complements other European experiments and broadens the potential network by extending the covered environmental gradients to colder and moister conditions. Such targeted assisted migration trials are key to promoting tree species that can cope with the future climate and can help us to foster forest ecosystems that can adapt to rapidly changing climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the connection between climate change and energy security in Europe and provides empirical evidence that these issues are the two faces of the same coin. Using a panel of 39 European countries during the period 1980–2020, the empirical analysis presented in this paper indicates that increasing the share of nuclear, renewables, and other nonhydrocarbon energy and improving energy efficiency could lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and improve energy security throughout Europe. Accordingly, policies and reforms aimed at shifting away from hydrocarbons and increasing energy efficiency in distribution and consumption are key to mitigating climate change, reducing energy dependence, and minimizing exposure to energy price volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we describe multiannual variations of the atmospheric aerosol optical depth values in the widely understood area of the Baltic Sea. We present the trends in the changes and depict unusual aerosol situations. As a result of analyses, we focus on 2019, since unusually high values of aerosol optical depth were recorded in several stations around the Baltic. We match the high aerosol levels with an unusually high number of wildfires across Europe in spring and summer, which emitted large quantities of aerosols into the atmosphere that were distributed over vast European areas in part by the wind. We then connect this case with the climate change consequences. Since aerosols influence the radiative budget of the planet by directly affecting the atmospheric radiation budget, it is obvious that human well-being is in danger due to wildfires, as well as from the atmospheric perspective. Climate change will lead to more frequent fires; thus, humans need to develop solutions to decrease the risk of fire outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change thrives, and the frequency of intense droughts is affecting many forested regions, a mechanistic understanding of the factors conferring drought tolerance in trees is increasingly important. However, studies linking the observed growth reduction to mechanistic traits are still rare. We compared the median growth anomalies of 16 native tree species, gathered across a network of study plots in Bavaria, with the mean species‐specific turgor loss point (πtlp) measured at five locations in Central Europe πtlp explained 37% of the growth anomalies observed in response to the intense droughts between 2018 and 2020 compared to the pre‐drought period between 2006 and 2017 across sites. πtlp constitutes an important leaf drought tolerance trait and influences the growth response of native tree species during extraordinary dry periods. As climate change‐induced droughts intensify, tree species with drought‐tolerant leaves will be less vulnerable to growth reductions. πtlp provides a useful indicator for selecting tree species to adapt forest management systems to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although afforestation is a potential strategy to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, its potential biophysical effects on climate, such as regulating surface albedo, evapotranspiration, and energy balance, have not been fully incorporated into climate change mitigation strategies. This is partly due to the challenges associated with modeling the complex bidirectional interactions between vegetation and climate. In this study, we assess the impact of afforestation on low cloud cover using a regional climate model (RCM) and Earth observation data, applying a space‐for‐time approach to overcome limitations that may arise from comparing satellite and RCM results, such as different background climate conditions or different extents of land cover change. Our results show a consistent increase in low cloud cover in Europe due to afforestation in both datasets (3.71% and 3.56% on average, respectively), but the magnitude and direction of this effect depend on various factors, including location, seasonality, and forest type. These results suggest that afforestation can have important feedbacks on the climate system, and that its biophysical effects must be considered in climate change mitigation strategies. Furthermore, we emphasize the role of the modeling community in developing accurate and reliable approaches to assess the biophysical effects of land cover change on climate. Plain Language Summary: Although forests can help combat climate change by capturing carbon dioxide, we haven't fully considered the potential impact they can have on the climate in terms of biophysical factors such as surface reflectivity, evaporation, and energy balance. This is because it's challenging to accurately model the complex interactions between forests and climate. In this study, we used a regional climate model and Earth observation data to examine how forests affect the amount of low‐lying clouds. We used a method that compares satellite and model data to overcome limitations arising from different climate conditions and changes in land cover. Our findings consistently show that forests increase the coverage of low clouds in Europe. However, the specific effects depend on factors such as the location, season, and forest type. These results indicate that forests can have significant impacts on the climate system, and it is important to consider these effects when developing climate change strategies. We also emphasize the need for accurate modeling to better understand how changes in forest cover influence the climate. Key Points: Forests increase the amount of low clouds in EuropeForests impact climate beyond carbon sequestration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the seasonal dynamics of the forest herb layer and the factors that influence it is essential for predicting how the forest ecosystem, including mutualistic interactions, will respond to global change. However, to date, no research has investigated how understorey phenological guilds respond to major environmental threats and forest interventions.We showed the marked changes in the phenological structure of floodplain forest plant communities over half a century at a multi‐regional scale in Central Europe. Unlike previous studies focusing on individual species' responses to climate change, we examined shifts in species richness, frequency and abundance between phenological guilds within the plant community. We examined the effects of temporal variation in climate, hydrology, soil conditions and canopy structure, and assessed the effects of non‐intervention and intervention management on phenological guild responses.Our results show a significant loss of local species richness and a decline in species frequency in the forest understorey vegetation, associated with species exhibiting summer phenology. In contrast, an increase in abundance and richness of spring flowering species was observed, attributed to high nutrient loads and reduced flooding, respectively. The abundance of spring species increased only in stands where canopy cover increased over time, probably due to the suppression of summer flowering species, allowing spring flowering species to spread on open, bare ground. The community experienced a shift in maximum flowering plant richness from June to May. Despite management interventions such as clearcutting and tree planting, our data show similar temporal trajectories in intervention and non‐intervention forests, indicating that changes in phenological structure are largely independent of recent management activities.Synthesis. We propose that a complex interplay of environmental factors, rather than climate change alone, is shaping shifts towards earlier phenological guilds in floodplain forests. This study highlights the importance of considering a comprehensive view of phenological guild dynamics and the impact of environmental factors on forest plant community structure in the face of global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental and behavioral disorders are an important public health problem and constitute a priority for the WHO, whose recommendations include the surveillance of their risk factors. On the other hand, drought episodes have been increasing in frequency and severity in Europe since 1980. Therefore, to review the present knowledge about the impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders, in the present climate change context, and to underline potential research gaps, could be of major interest. Thus, we performed a narrative review using online academic databases with the aim of identifying relevant literature about the impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders. To the best of our knowledge, no study in Europe quantifies the potential association between drought and mental disorders. A limited number of studies have found significant associations between droughts (with different temporal ranges) and various measures of mental health. However, according to our review, only three of them quantified the association between drought and objective mental health outcomes, such as number of emergencies due to clinically diagnosed mental disorders or suicides. Additionally, few studies used specific indices as a measure of drought; and finally, as far as authors are aware, none of them has analyzed this relationship adjusting for various other potential environmental confounders. Moreover, the eventual association could vary between different geographical areas within the same country. Therefore, national and regional studies would be especially necessary. Thus, there is a need for specific national and regional studies, in Europe and globally, that assess the impact of specific indices of drought (with different temporal ranges) on objective mental health outcomes controlling for potential environmental confounders. Moreover, the quantification of its cost would be necessary for health prioritization, evidence-based policies and strategic health planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas are among the most productive areas in the world, ecologically as well as economically. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) has evolved as the major essential climate variable (ECV) and ocean variable (EOV) to monitor land–ocean interactions and oceanic warming trends. SST monitoring can be achieved by means of remote sensing. The current relatively coarse spatial resolution of established SST products limits their potential in small-scale, coastal zones. This study presents the first analysis of the TIMELINE 1 km SST product from AVHRR in four key European regions: The Northern and Baltic Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Balearic Sea. The analysis of monthly anomaly trends showed high positive SST trends in all study areas, exceeding the global average SST warming. Seasonal variations reveal peak warming during the spring, early summer, and early autumn, suggesting a potential seasonal shift. The spatial analysis of the monthly anomaly trends revealed significantly higher trends at near-coast areas, which were especially distinct in the Mediterranean study areas. The clearest pattern was visible in the Adriatic Sea in March and May, where the SST trends at the coast were twice as high as that observed at a 40 km distance to the coast. To validate our findings, we compared the TIMELINE monthly anomaly time series with monthly anomalies derived from the Level 4 CCI SST anomaly product. The comparison showed an overall good accordance with correlation coefficients of R > 0.82 for the Mediterranean study areas and R = 0.77 for the North and Baltic Seas. This study highlights the potential of AVHRR Local Area Coverage (LAC) data with 1 km spatial resolution for mapping long-term SST trends in areas with high spatial SST variability, such as coastal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth is one of the most direct and common ways fish respond to climate change, as fish growth is intimately linked to the temperature of the environment. Observational studies on the effect of shifts in temperature on fish growth are scarce for freshwater fish, and particularly lacking for lake populations. Here, changes in growth rate of bream (Abramis brama), perch (Perca fluviatilis), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), and roach (Rutilus rutilus) over three decades were studied and compared with changes in temperature in the two largest lakes of western Europe: Lake IJsselmeer and Lake Markermeer in the Netherlands. In the autumnal survey catches of bream, perch, and roach, the mean length of YOY increased significantly between 1992 and 2021 in both lakes, but for YOY pikeperch, no temporal changes were found. In a length‐stratified dataset of age groups of bream, roach, and perch, the relationship between length and age differed significantly between time periods. In the more recent time periods, indications for higher growth rates across multiple ages were found. Temperature during the growth season increased in the same decades and showed significant correlations with the YOY mean length, for bream, perch, and roach in both lakes, and for pikeperch in Lake Markermeer. These results point toward consistent temperature‐induced increases in growth over the age groups for bream, roach, and perch. These increases were found despite the simultaneous process of de‐eutrophication in this water system and its potential negative effect on food production. For pikeperch, it is hypothesized that the absence of temporal increase in YOY growth rate is related to its necessary switch to piscivory and subsequent food limitation; the lower thermal range of its main prey smelt, Osmerus eperlanus, is hypothesized to have inhibited food availability for YOY pikeperch and its opportunity to achieve higher growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ongoing climate change is presently influencing the distribution ranges of numerous species, with both range expansions and latitudinal shifts being observed. In southern Europe, a biogeographical border that separates African and European biota, while at the same time acting as a migration bridge for many species, these changes are of particular relevance. This study aimed to analyse the responses of nine typically African birds to climate change to provide information on the ongoing and future occupation of Europe by these species. Location: Western Palearctic and surrounding areas. Methods: To this end, the distributions of the species in their native ranges were modelled, both in the present and in future climate scenarios, using their current breeding ranges and a set of topographic and climatic variables. The climatic favourability for the nine species was then combined using fuzzy logic. Results: The results showed that southern Europe is highly favourable for our set of African birds, except for Rüppell's Vulture, and future forecasts indicated that this favourability would increase further north, again excluding the African Vulture. Main conclusions: If the climate continues to warm, further arrivals of individuals are to be expected, increasing the possibility that self‐sustaining populations may become established in southern Europe. Furthermore, new African species may start to occupy this area, with the likelihood of an Africanisation of the European fauna. Considering the role played by southern Europe as a potential focal point for the colonisation of this continent by African species, it is important to track their northward expansion and future spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation between climate change and migration is subject to fast growing attention in scientific, policy, and public discourse. It is also subject to numerous representations and containment measures that carve out a new form of migration; one that includes visions of which populations deserve protection, should be stopped, or made mobile, and what areas are worth saving. This article interrogates these processes of bordering associated with climate mobilities research and policymaking, whilst also exploring how border-mobility relations and associated processes of bordering might be changed or rethought in a changing climate. Drawing on empirical examples from different world contexts—ranging from the Pacific to Southern Europe, we centre on the plural and contested ways in which borders in relation to climate mobilities manifest themselves in both geopolitical, conceptual, and cognitive terms, and in doing so build on, but also move beyond, literature examining the securitisation and exclusionary effect of borders vis-à-vis climate mobilities. We signal how a critical understanding of bordering further exposes classifications of so-called internal or international climate migration, of the un/deserving migrant, of the environmental un/privileged; and demonstrate how climate im/mobilities themselves feed into, resist, reshape, or even reimagine processes of (re)bordering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adaptation, to reduce the health impacts of climate change, is driven by political action, public support and events (extreme weather). National adaptation policies or strategies are limited in addressing human health risks and implementation of adaptation in the public health community is not well understood. Aim To identify key issues in climate change adaptation implementation for public health in Europe. Methods Key informant interviews with decision-makers in international, national and local city governments in 19 European countries. Participants were recruited if a senior decision-maker working in public health, environmental health or climate adaptation. Interviews addressed Barriers and levers for adaptation, policy alignment, networks and evidence needs. Results Thirty-two interviews were completed between June and October 2021 with 4 international, 5 national and 23 city/local government stakeholders. Respondents reported inadequate resources (funding, training and personnel) for health-adaptation implementation and the marginal role of health in adaptation policy. A clear mandate to act was key for implementation and resource allocation. Limited cross-departmental collaboration and poor understanding of the role of public health in climate policy were barriers to implementation. Conclusions Across Europe, progress is varied in implementation of climate adaptation in public health planning. Providing appropriate resources, training, knowledge mobilization and supporting cross-departmental collaboration and multi-level governance will facilitate adaptation to protect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is among the most valuable conifers in Europe for ecological and economic reasons. Throughout the course of history, primarily in the 20th century, its share in stands has been declining due to ill-suited management practices, especially clear-cut management, air pollution (SO2 and NOX emissions), and wildlife-induced damage. This literature review compiles findings from 338 scientific papers. It describes futures for silver fir and its distribution, ecological requirements, threats and diseases, seed production and nurseries, and forest management practices with emphasis on ongoing climate change. Based on recent knowledge of fir ecology and population dynamics, small-scale shelterwood and selection management have been introduced in fir stands, which have also stabilized them. Fir is an essential species for maintaining high stability and biodiversity, especially on planosols and in waterlogged habitats. Owing to its shade tolerance and environmental plasticity, it can coexist very well with many tree species in mixtures, which can increase the productive potential of stands within the natural range in Europe. The average stand volume of mature fir stands ranges from 237–657 m3 ha−1. For its successful natural regeneration, it is essential to reduce cloven-hoofed game and thus prevent bud browsing damage. The attractiveness of fir in terms of heavy browsing is the highest of all conifers (52% damage). On the other hand, fir is a species relatively resistant to bark stripping and the spread of secondary rot compared with Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.). Under global climate change, fir is expected to shift to higher elevations with sufficient precipitation, while in the southern part of its natural range or at lower elevations, outside water-influenced habitats, it is likely to decline. Climate change is intricately linked to the heightened prevalence of forest pathogens with significant damage potential in Europe, necessitating careful consideration and strategic adaptation within management practices of fir forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress occurs when the need for water surpasses its availability or when the water quality limits its use. Droughts and limited water supplies are becoming common in today's Europe, and its inhabitants experience such conditions annually. The rise in industrial growth and economic progress, which amplifies water consumption, changes in water ecosystems, and significant biodiversity loss contribute to this water shortage. This study analyzes the main factors for the level of water stress and lack of water in southern European countries. It aims to provide a clear overview of a twenty-year analysis of water stress contributing through statistical evaluations that help continental policymaking. Data proceedings are time series indicators for South European countries, with an annual frequency from 2002 to 2021. The statistical approach in the panel data model is used to find statistical significance, direct on-driven fixed factors, and so on. Fixed effects panel regressions demonstrate that the level of water stress in these countries is statistically significantly affected by climate change indicators (temperature and precipitation), economic indicators (water productivity and growth of the gross domestic product), and political stability. Factors such as population growth and agricultural land are statistically ambiguous and not strongly correlated with water stress. Governments should establish effective management systems and policies for water resources to address water stress, including groundwater, surface water, and rainwater. Dictated by the global and continental circumstances of climate change, governments should initiate strategic, efficient plans toward good use and sustainability of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-induced climate change has profound effects on extreme events, particularly those linked to global warming, such as heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. These events disrupt ecosystems, emphasizing the imperative to understand the interactions among them to gauge the risks faced by vulnerable communities. Vulnerability levels vary primarily based on a community's resources. Rural areas, especially in the Mediterranean region of Europe, are experiencing acute depopulation, creating a complex situation affecting various aspects of society, from economic declines to cultural heritage loss. Population decline in rural regions weakens resources, leading to the abandonment of built environments, fostering desertification, and elevating the risk of wildfires. Communities undergoing this deterioration process become exceptionally vulnerable, especially when dealing with and recovering from extreme natural phenomena. This review offers insights into the dynamics of these hazards and the predominant challenges in rural areas. By focusing on a topic that has received limited attention, the aim is to inform future research initiatives, ultimately improving risk assessment and mitigation strategies for these vulnerable communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection to Europe is projected to strengthen under global warming in most climate model simulations. However, given the current difference between recent observations and historical model simulations of tropical Pacific sea surface temperature trends, with models simulating an El Niño‐like warming in recent decades which is in disagreement with observations, it is important to understand the relative contributions of changes to the teleconnection forcing and background state to the overall teleconnection change. Using idealized climate model experiments, we show that both the eastward shift of El Niño precipitation and background state changes make contributions to the overall teleconnection change. These results suggest that the ENSO–Europe teleconnection can be expected to strengthen under global warming, even if ENSO precipitation anomalies do not shift eastwards as currently projected. However, the magnitude of the strengthening may depend on how much of an eastward shift does occur. Plain Language Summary: El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can influence the weather and climate in Europe, and this connection is expected to become stronger under global warming according to most climate models. However, there is a difference between recent observations of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and what climate models simulate. These differences could have important implications for future projections of ENSO's impact on Europe. To understand how likely the projected future strengthening of this link is, we looked at how two factors contribute to this connection change: (a) changes in rainfall associated with El Niño in the tropical Pacific and (b) overall changes in global climate elsewhere. Using a simplified climate model, we found that both these factors play a role in making the connection between El Niño and Europe stronger. This suggests that even if the specific patterns of El Niño rainfall don't change as projected, the link between El Niño and Europe will still get stronger due to global warming. However, how much stronger it gets might depend on the actual changes in El Niño rainfall, so it's important to figure out why there's a difference between observations and the model projections of Pacific Ocean temperature trends. Key Points: The El Niño–Southern Oscillation teleconnection to Europe is projected to strengthen under global warmingThis change is driven by an eastward shift of El Niño precipitation anomalies in the tropical Pacific and background state changes globallyBackground state changes have a greater impact on European circulation than precipitation changes, particularly over central‐eastern Europe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European grasslands are among the most species-rich ecosystems on small spatial scales. However, human-induced activities like land use and climate change pose significant threats to this diversity. To explore how climate and land cover change will affect biodiversity and community composition in grassland ecosystems, we conducted joint species distribution models (SDMs) on the extensive vegetation-plot database sPlotOpen to project distributions of 1178 grassland species across Europe under current conditions and three future scenarios. We further compared model accuracy and computational efficiency between joint SDMs (JSDMs) and stacked SDMs, especially for rare species. Our results show that: (i) grassland communities in the mountain ranges are expected to suffer high rates of species loss, while those in western, northern and eastern Europe will experience substantial turnover; (ii) scaling anomalies were observed in the predicted species richness, reflecting regional differences in the dominant drivers of assembly processes; (iii) JSDMs did not outperform stacked SDMs in predictive power but demonstrated superior efficiency in model fitting and predicting; and (iv) incorporating co-occurrence datasets improved the model performance in predicting the distribution of rare species. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring wild communities of large herbivores is critical for the conservation of biodiverse ecosystems, but environmental changes in the twenty-first century could drastically affect the availability of habitats. We projected future habitat dynamics for 18 wild large herbivores in Europe and the relative future potential patterns of species richness and assemblage mean body weight considering four alternative scenarios of socioeconomic development in human society and greenhouse gas emissions (SSP1–RCP2.6, SSP2–RCP4.5, SSP3–RCP7.0, SSP5–RCP8.5). Under SSP1–RCP2.6, corresponding to a transition towards sustainable development, we found stable habitat suitability for most species and overall stable assemblage mean body weight compared to the present, with an average increase in species richness (in 2100: 3.03 ± 1.55 compared to today′s 2.25 ± 1.31 species/area). The other scenarios are generally unfavourable for the conservation of wild large herbivores, although under the SSP5–RCP8.5 scenario there would be increase in species richness and assemblage mean body weight in some southern regions (e.g. + 62.86 kg mean body weight in Balkans/Greece). Our results suggest that a shift towards a sustainable socioeconomic development would overall provide the best prospect of our maintaining or even increasing the diversity of wild herbivore assemblages in Europe, thereby promoting trophic complexity and the potential to restore functioning and self-regulating ecosystems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, exacerbated in countries with a (sub)tropical climate. The built environment can facilitate physical activity; however, current evidence is mainly from North American and European countries with activity-friendly climate conditions. This study explored associations between built environment features and physical activity in global tropical or subtropical dry or desert climate regions. Methods: A systematic review of four major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SportDISCUS) was performed. To be included, studies had to investigate associations between perceived or objective built environment characteristics and adult's physical activity and had to be conducted in a location with (sub)tropical climate. Each investigated association was reported as one case and results were synthesized based upon perceived and objectively assessed environment characteristics as well as Western and non-Western countries. Study quality was evaluated using a tool designed for assessing studies on built environment and physical activity. Results: Eighty-four articles from 50 studies in 13 countries with a total of 2546 built environment-physical activity associations were included. Design (connectivity, walking/cycling infrastructure), desirability (aesthetics, safety), and destination accessibility were the built environment characteristics most frequently associated with physical activity across the domains active transport, recreational physical activity, total walking and cycling, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, particularly if multiple attributes were present at the same time. Very few studies assessed built environment attributes specifically relevant to physical activity in (sub)tropical climates. Most studies were conducted in Western countries, with results being largely comparable with non-Western countries. Findings were largely generalizable across gender and age groups. Results from natural experiments indicated that relocating to an activity-friendly neighborhood impacted sub-groups differently. Conclusions: Built environment attributes, including destination accessibility, connectivity, walking and cycling infrastructure, safety, and aesthetics, are positively associated with physical activity in locations with (sub)tropical climate. However, few studies focus on built environment attributes specifically relevant in a hot climate, such as shade or indoor recreation options. Further, there is limited evidence from non-Western countries, where most of the urban population lives in (sub)tropical climates. Policy makers should focus on implementing activity-friendly environment attributes to create sustainable and climate-resilient cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the challenges faced by the German public health service in implementing digitalization, specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the lack of consensus on the goals and definition of digitalization in public health, as well as funding and procurement difficulties. The article emphasizes the importance of clear goals, stakeholder involvement, and coordination at the municipal and national levels for successful digitalization efforts. It also discusses the need for planning, project management, and training in implementing digital solutions, suggesting the use of contemporary project planning methods and the appointment of an IT coordinator within public health organizations. The article emphasizes the importance of interoperable digital epidemiology tools, transparency, and accessibility in data management, and concludes that a globally connected digitalization of the public health service is necessary for effective disease surveillance and prevention. [Extracted from the article]

Motivation: In European policy debate, conflict, economic crisis, lack of development, population growth, and climate change are often seen as the root causes of migration from Africa. To deter irregular migration to Europe, aid has thus been directed towards these perceived causes. This seems, however, not to deter irregular migration. Purpose: We explore the discrepancy between the official discourse of root causes and insights from research on migration decisions; and how discourse and evidence relate to aid. We ask what kind of policy change is needed if aid is possibly used to influence irregular migration. We focus on the motivations and drivers of migration and how development co-operation may influence these. Methods and approach: Considering African migration to Europe, we examine the official European discourse on root causes of irregular migration, highlight recent developments in the academic understanding of migration aspirations and drivers, and investigate various attempts to analyse the impact of foreign aid on assumed “root causes” and migration. Findings: Migration is influenced by drivers that differ according to the specific context in which potential migrants decide to migrate or not. Aid to influence migration must be thoroughly adapted to the circumstances of potential migrants. Addressing so-called root causes may be irrelevant to many potential migrants and will require longterm change to have any impact. It may even increase migration in the short term. Foreign aid that adopts a blueprint regardless of context is unlikely to deter irregular migration in the short or medium term. Policy implications: If irregular African migration to Europe is to be deterred through development co-operation, European policy-makers and development practitioners need to elaborate and differentiate between aid-supported activities through careful understanding of the migration dynamics specific to individual localities and societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversified crop rotations have been suggested to reduce grain yield losses from the adverse climatic conditions increasingly common under climate change. Nevertheless, the potential for climate change adaptation of different crop rotational diversity (CRD) remains undetermined. We quantified how climatic conditions affect small grain and maize yields under different CRDs in 32 long‐term (10–63 years) field experiments across Europe and North America. Species‐diverse and functionally rich rotations more than compensated yield losses from anomalous warm conditions, long and warm dry spells, as well as from anomalous wet (for small grains) or dry (for maize) conditions. Adding a single functional group or crop species to monocultures counteracted yield losses from substantial changes in climatic conditions. The benefits of a further increase in CRD are comparable with those of improved climatic conditions. For instance, the maize yield benefits of adding three crop species to monocultures under detrimental climatic conditions exceeded the average yield of monocultures by up to 553 kg/ha under non‐detrimental climatic conditions. Increased crop functional richness improved yields under high temperature, irrespective of precipitation. Conversely, yield benefits peaked at between two and four crop species in the rotation, depending on climatic conditions and crop, and declined at higher species diversity. Thus, crop species diversity could be adjusted to maximize yield benefits. Diversifying rotations with functionally distinct crops is an adaptation of cropping systems to global warming and changes in precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glued laminated timber made from hardwood is a sustainable structural product that is currently gaining momentum due to climatic changes and afforestation policy. Diversities in hardwood species have led to a lack of a complete standard for the production of glued laminated timber from hardwood in Europe. This paper addresses hardwood species available in Croatian forests, namely Carpinus Betulus L. (European hornbeam), Quercus Cerris L. (Turkey oak), and Acer Campestre L. (Maple), in terms of their suitability for the production of glued laminated timber. The suitability is assessed by a multi‐criteria analysis with seven criteria. Visual and physical properties include density, the occurrence of knots, and grain deviation in lamellas. Mechanical properties include the bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and shear strength of glue lines. In order to obtain physical and mechanical properties, corresponding experimental research has been carried out. Production costs have been evaluated in collaboration with the manufacturer. Results indicate a very high potential of European hornbeam and Turkey oak for the production of glued laminated timber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Basin has historically been subject to alien plant invasions that threaten its unique biodiversity. This seasonally dry and densely populated region is undergoing severe climatic and socioeconomic changes, and it is unclear whether these changes will worsen or mitigate plant invasions. Predictions are often biased, as species may not be in equilibrium in the invaded environment, depending on their invasion stage and ecological characteristics. To address future predictions uncertainty, we identified invasion hotspots across multiple biased modelling scenarios and ecological characteristics of successful invaders. We selected 92 alien plant species widespread in Mediterranean Europe and compiled data on their distribution in the Mediterranean and worldwide. We combined these data with environmental and propagule pressure variables to model global and regional species niches, and map their current and future habitat suitability. We identified invasion hotspots, examined their potential future shifts, and compared the results of different modelling strategies. Finally, we generalised our findings by using linear models to determine the traits and biogeographic features of invaders most likely to benefit from global change. Currently, invasion hotspots are found near ports and coastlines throughout Mediterranean Europe. However, many species occupy only a small portion of the environmental conditions to which they are preadapted, suggesting that their invasion is still an ongoing process. Future conditions will lead to declines in many currently widespread aliens, which will tend to move to higher elevations and latitudes. Our trait models indicate that future climates will generally favour species with conservative ecological strategies that can cope with reduced water availability, such as those with short stature and low specific leaf area. Taken together, our results suggest that in future environments, these conservative aliens will move farther from the introduction areas and upslope, threatening mountain ecosystems that have been spared from invasions so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Forestry Society of Croatia / Sumarski List Hrvatskoga Sumarskoga Drustva is the property of Forestry Society of Croatia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Silvae et Ligni is the property of Biotechnical Faculty, Slovenian Forestry Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Winter windstorms are among the most significant natural hazards in Europe linked to fatalities and substantial damage. However, projections of windstorm impact in Europe under climate change are highly uncertain. This study combines climate projections from 30 general circulation models participating in Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) with the climate risk assessment model CLIMADA to obtain projections of windstorm-induced damage over Europe in a changing climate. We conduct an uncertainty–sensitivity analysis and find large uncertainties in the projected changes in the damage, with climate model uncertainty being the dominant factor of uncertainty in the projections. We investigate the spatial patterns of the climate change-induced modifications in windstorm damage and find an increase in the damage in northwestern and northern central Europe and a decrease over the rest of Europe, in agreement with an eastward extension of the North Atlantic storm track into Europe. We combine all 30 available climate models in an ensemble-of-opportunity approach and find evidence for an intensification of future climate windstorm damage, in which damage with return periods of 100 years under current climate conditions becomes damage with return periods of 28 years under future SSP585 climate scenarios. Our findings demonstrate the importance of climate model uncertainty for the CMIP6 projections of windstorms in Europe and emphasize the increasing need for risk mitigation due to extreme weather in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]