 Subjects -> SCIENCES: COMPREHENSIVE WORKS (Total: 374 journals)
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- Weather and climate services in Ethiopia: progress, challenges, and
opportunities
Authors: Fetene Teshome Tola, Diriba Korecha Dadi, Tadesse Tujuba Kenea, Tufa Dinku
Abstract: National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide weather and climate information, which supports various socio-economic sectors. The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) has been providing essential meteorological data, forecasts, and services in support of the climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, disaster risk reduction, public health, and energy among others. EMI has a long history in weather and climate services, with the first meteorological station established in 1890. The institute has made steady progress over the last seven decades. It has expanded its meteorological observation network, improved its weather and climate forecast at different time scales, has made strides in enhancing the generation and dissemination of climate information products, strengthened engagement with users, and made concerted efforts to develop its infrastructure and skilled manpower. Despite the strides it has made, EMI has faced notable challenges, which is shared with many African NMHSs, such as financial constraints, technical limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and shortages of skilled personnel. Despite the challenges, EMI has made some progress in enhancing its services, which is possible mainly because of continued government support. Even though Ethiopia is among economically weak countries, the government has continued providing sustained support to EMI. This paper examines the evolution, progress, challenges, and opportunities associated with weather and climate service in Ethiopia. By sharing lessons learned from Ethiopia’s experiences, this study provides insights into the broader role of NMHS in Africa and their contribution to sustainable development and disaster risk management.
PubDate: 2025-04-04T00:00:00Z
- Riverine photosynthesis influences the carbon sequestration potential of
enhanced rock weathering
Authors: Rebecca B. Neumann, Tyler Kukla, Shuang Zhang, David E. Butman
Abstract: As climate mitigation efforts lag, dependence on anthropogenic CO2 removal increases. Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a rapidly growing CO2 removal approach. In terrestrial ERW, crushed rocks are spread on land where they react with CO2 and water, forming dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and alkalinity. For long-term sequestration, these products must travel through rivers to oceans, where carbon remains stored for over 10,000 years. Carbon and alkalinity can be lost during river transport, reducing ERW efficacy. However, the ability of biological processes, such as aquatic photosynthesis, to affect the fate of DIC and alkalinity within rivers has been overlooked. Our analysis indicates that within a stream-order segment, aquatic photosynthesis uptakes 1%–30% of DIC delivered by flow for most locations. The effect of this uptake on ERW efficacy, however, depends on the cell-membrane transport mechanism and the fate of photosynthetic carbon. Different pathways can decrease just DIC, DIC and alkalinity, or just alkalinity, and the relative importance of each is unknown. Further, data show that expected river chemistry changes from ERW may stimulate photosynthesis, amplifying the importance of these biological processes. We argue that estimating ERW’s carbon sequestration potential requires consideration and better understanding of biological processes in rivers.
PubDate: 2025-04-04T00:00:00Z
- Ecomyopia on the Chesapeake: social and cultural barriers to
climate-induced managed retreat
Authors: David G. Casagrande, Aaron Lampman
Abstract: Ecomyopia is the tendency to ignore important environmental information that challenges structures of power and place-based identities. Predictions of relative sea-level rise on the Eastern Shore of Maryland include catastrophic land loss over the next 50 years but have not promoted serious discussion about managed retreat. We review literature emerging from Mary Douglas’ theory of the cultural construction of environmental risk and psychological theories of cognitive dissonance and social identity to examine why many residents of the Chesapeake Bay resist relocation in the face of rising sea level. We use this theoretical synthesis to analyze 63 in-depth interviews conducted on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay to examine how social institutions and widely shared narratives of heritage and identity frame discussion of sea-level rise. Technological solutions to shoreline erosion dominate the discourse as a means of avoiding cognitive dissonance caused by relocation’s existential threat to place-based identity. As predicted by the Cultural Theory of Risk, group identities shape risk perceptions associated with rising sea level and climate change. Discourse in our case study illustrates how confirmation bias is a social process and why those who challenge the status quo are marginalized as environmental information is transformed into preferred solutions. We generalize from this case study to explain how ecomyopia can preclude managed retreat as a rational strategy in regions threatened by anthropogenic climate change and rising sea levels.
PubDate: 2025-04-03T00:00:00Z
- Co-creation of a scalable, climate service tool for the sustainable
Authors: Alba de la Vara, William Cabos, Mireia Ferri, Maite Ferrando
Abstract: The Mediterranean region is experiencing rapid warming, outpacing the global average, and is frequently impacted by extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy precipitation. Climate models project an increase in the frequency and/or intensity of these events, which pose a significant risk of negative socio-economic impacts—particularly in the Western Mediterranean regions, such as the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Negative socio-economic impacts affect to a greater extent climate-exposed sectors such as the blue economy, which is defined as the economic activities associated with seas and oceans. Therefore, the development of climate service tools tailored to the needs and expectations of potential end-users from these sectors is crucial. This manuscript details the hybrid methodology adopted for the creation of the ECOAZUL-MED climate service tool, as well as its interface and main functionalities. The tool offers stakeholders from aquaculture, fisheries and coastal tourism along the Spanish Mediterranean coasts, for the first time, climate information from air-sea coupled simulations from the Med-CORDEX initiative to promote evidence-based decision-making regarding adaptation. Our work highlights the relevance of using bottom-up and participatory approaches combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to generate tailored climate service tools adapted to the local context. Stakeholders’ feedback, compiled through focus groups, workshops and questionnaires presented in this manuscript, was key to setting the contents of the tool and its final interface. Insights that emerge from this work allow us to highlight the importance of using participatory approaches to reinforce the long-lasting use of climate tools as they are designed based on stakeholders’ inputs, and to propose this methodology to be applied in other contexts to build sustainable climate tools.
PubDate: 2025-04-02T00:00:00Z
- Pandemics and environmental performance in a globalized world
Authors: Inma Martínez-Zarzoso, Cristina Badarau, Luis R. Díaz Pavez, Juan Armando Torres Munguía, Konstantin Wacker
Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims at understanding the factors that are associated with disease outbreaks by investigating environmental and globalization risk factors.Design/methodology/approachAs environmental factors we consider several dimensions of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). To gauge globalization, we consider international trade flows and international flights, as well as two globalization indices accounting for economic and interpersonal globalization. Methodologically, we estimate a Poisson Random Effects model for panel data covering 195 countries over 25 years.FindingsFirst, concerning the EPI dimensions, we find that improving sanitation and drinking water conditions are negatively and significantly correlated with the frequency of the outbreaks, whereas no robust relationship could be identified for changes in biodiversity habitat, ecosystem services, and waste management. Second, regarding the globalization factors, we find that an increase in imports and in the number of international flights are positively correlated with the number of outbreaks. Conversely, neither of the two globalization indices considered have a clear association with outbreaks.OriginalityThe paper uses a new dataset of infectious disease outbreaks collected from the Disease Outbreak News produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) containing information on 1,462 events occurred between 1996 and 2019, covering 195 countries and 70 diseases.Practical implicationsIn view of the results, local policy efforts in low-income countries should aim at improving sanitary conditions. This effort could be leveraged with development aid support. Once outbreaks have been detected in a location, international flight restrictions should be considered to reduce the international contagion rate. The main contribution of this paper is to provide empirical evidence for policymakers that can be used to minimize the probability of future pandemics.
PubDate: 2025-03-31T00:00:00Z
- Climate change distress and impairment among adolescents in Germany
Authors: Lars König, Rebekka Schröder, Priska Breves, Gesa Alena Linnemann, Tim Hamer, Ralf Suhr
Abstract: IntroductionClimate change is one of the most consequential challenges in the 21st century with widespread consequences, including its effect on mental health. A recently developed questionnaire distinguishes between the affective responses to climate change, including negative emotions (distress), and functional impairments. Adolescents are considered particularly vulnerable but have not yet been studied concerning these dimensions. This study investigates the prevalence and distribution of climate change distress and impairment and their association with sociodemographic factors and health literacy in a representative sample of adolescents living in Germany.Materials and methodsIn a cross-sectional quota-based survey, N = 1,021 adolescents (inclusion criteria: age 12–17 years, enrollment in school, living in Germany, sufficient German knowledge) completed an online or face-to-face interview assessing the climate change distress and impairment scales (CC-DIS), sociodemographic information and a health literacy questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16). ANOVAs and t-tests were used to analyze differences between sociodemographic groups and different levels of health literacy.ResultsThe results show that many adolescents are both distressed and impaired by climate change. Higher distress was found in girls vs. boys, those with high vs. low levels of education and high social status vs. lower social status. Higher impairment was found in girls vs. boys, 14–15-year-olds vs. 12–13-year-olds and 16–17-year-olds, those with low vs. high levels of education, and those with inadequate and problematic vs. adequate health literacy.DiscussionFurther research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop effective strategies to support adolescent mental health in the face of climate change.
PubDate: 2025-03-31T00:00:00Z
- Farmers’ perceptions on the capacity of extension practitioners on
climate change in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Anathi Makamane, Olwethu Loki, Jan Swanepoel, Mashford Zenda, Johan Van Niekerk
Abstract: Farmers expect agricultural extension practitioners to provide and effectively communicate knowledge on climate-resilient agricultural practices and their impacts. In the face of increasing climate variability, extension services are crucial in equipping farmers with strategies for adaptation and mitigation. However, the effectiveness of these services in improving farm level adaptation remains limited. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey with 175 randomly selected farmers, employing interviews and structured questionnaires for data collection. Farmers’ perceptions of extension practitioners’ competencies were analyzed through content analysis, while a binomial logistic regression model identified factors influencing these perceptions. The findings revealed that most farmers accessed extension services and relied on them for climate adaptation information. Approximately 72.6% of respondents viewed practitioners as knowledgeable, positively influencing their adaptation efforts. However, significant differences in perception emerged: male and female farmers evaluated practitioners differently, and experienced farmers were more critical of practitioners’ climate competencies. Membership in farmer organizations correlated with more favorable perceptions, while limited access to extension services was associated with less positive views, highlighting access barriers. Observed climate changes include floods (53%), prolonged droughts (63.4%), very hot seasons (25%), and very wet seasons (22%), while 3.7% of respondents reported no observed changes. Farmers emphasized the importance of technical climate knowledge among practitioners and the need for continuous training to enhance their effectiveness. The study recommends fostering regular farmer-practitioner engagement, prioritizing ongoing technical training for extension officers, and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into extension frameworks to address local adaptation needs effectively.
PubDate: 2025-03-31T00:00:00Z
- The impact of climate change experience on Palestinian university
students’ mental health: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muna Ahmead, Nuha El Sharif, Etaf Maqboul, Raj’a Zyoud, Inad Nawajah
Abstract: IntroductionThe prevalence of severe and catastrophic weather incidents linked to a modified climate system may induce mental problems such as anxiety, depression, distress, and worry in people. This study aims to assess the effect of climate change on depression, anxiety and distress among Palestinian undergraduate students.MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional research design. A self-reported questionnaire, including the Climate Change Anxiety Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Kessler Psychological Distress cale-6 ere used to gather data.ResultsA total of 1,338 participants were recruited, of whom 66% reported climate change experience and only 6.1% had climate change anxiety. Due to climate change experience, 50.3% of participants had anxiety, 47.5% experienced distress and 36.0% experienced depression symptoms. The multivariate analysis indicated that the likelihood to experience climate change is more pronounced among females (AOR: 0.444, p-value
PubDate: 2025-03-31T00:00:00Z
- A co-design approach for stakeholder engagement and knowledge integration
in flood risk management in Vhembe district, South Africa
Authors: Ephias Mugari, Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe, Anesu Dion Gumbo
Abstract: IntroductionParticipatory methods and collaboration among diverse knowledge holders are critical to soliciting multiple, and often competing, stakeholder perspectives and knowledge systems for enhancing flood management.MethodsThis study uses a participatory co-design workshop, post-workshop survey, and key informant interviews to establish the utility of co-design methods in engaging diverse stakeholders, including flood-prone communities, in flood management and/or adaptation in South Africa’s Vhembe district. The co-design workshop brought together policymakers, practitioners, political actors, government agencies, local authorities, traditional leaders, and four flood-prone communities. It was conducted in the flood-prone region in the last quarter of 2023. At that time, discussions on mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the development planning process were underway.ResultsThe results show that the stakeholders were able to establish the key drivers of flood risk, challenges associated with flooding, current flood response measures, and barriers to effective flood response. However, an urgent need was for more effective flood response and an active role of flood-prone communities in the district. Stakeholders were able to use insights from the current dissemination of flood early warning systems and networks created during the workshop to call for action toward a community-based flood early warning system in the district. This call to action was premised on genuine collaboration between flood-prone communities and other key stakeholders rather than on any specific interventions. This was key to fostering more open discussions on enhancing the district’s flood response and early warning systems.ConclusionThe study concludes that the co-design approach with diverse knowledge holders is enriched by the local context and insights provided by the flood-prone communities (top-down collaborating with bottom-up) even beyond the workshop. This is useful for developing and implementing future community-based flood early warning systems.
PubDate: 2025-03-28T00:00:00Z
- Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in
Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
Authors: Fozia Fatima, Sabir Ali, Hamad Raza, Fuad Ahmad Siddiqi, Salar Ali
Abstract: IntroductionThe study addresses the critical gap in climate policy implementation and public education in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region highly vulnerable to climate change but underrepresented in research and policy discourse. While national climate policies exist, their translation into localized action remains ineffective due to logistical, financial, and institutional barriers.MethodsThis research aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive mixed-method analysis to assess policy shortcomings and develop targeted educational interventions. The methodology follows a four-phase approach: first, a bibliometric analysis of over 100 peer-reviewed articles and policy documents identifies research trends, gaps, and key contributors. Second, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including community leaders, religious scholars, and local policymakers, reveal educational needs and awareness levels regarding climate change. The third phase involves the documentation of environmental awareness initiatives at the University of Baltistan, providing empirical evidence on existing efforts. Finally, using a Design-Based Research strategy, an educational course tailored to the socio-cultural context of Gilgit-Baltistan is developed and evaluated.ResultsFindings highlight a severe lack of interdisciplinary collaboration in Pakistan’s climate research, with Gilgit-Baltistan often overlooked in national studies. Public awareness, particularly among youth and religious leaders, is insufficient, necessitating educational programs that integrate local knowledge and practical climate action strategies. Additionally, weak policy implementation in remote regions due to governance constraints underscores the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and sustainable financial support.ConclusionThe study concludes that empowering local communities through targeted education and inclusive policymaking is essential for fostering climate resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan. It calls for urgent policy adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and structured climate education programs to ensure sustainable environmental stewardship in the region.
PubDate: 2025-03-27T00:00:00Z
- Promoting green transformation of enterprises in China to adapt to climate
change: an evolutionary game analysis
Authors: Jin Luo, Wei Feng
Abstract: Climate change is driving the traditional development mode to a green, low-carbon, and sustainable development path. Enterprise green transformation is an important path to achieve green and low-carbon. This study, based on evolutionary game theory, analyzes the driving mechanisms of enterprises green transformation, focusing on the interactive relationship between government policy support and enterprise green transformation. By constructing a game model for both government and enterprises, it examines the impacts of different levels of policy support, enterprise transformation costs, market return expectations, and environmental penalties on enterprise green transformation decisions. The results indicate that high government policy support significantly enhances the success rate of enterprise green transformation, while transformation costs, market returns, and environmental penalties play important moderating roles in the decision-making process. Particularly in the context of the “dual carbon” goals, sustained and stable policy support is crucial for enterprise green transformation. This study further suggests promoting enterprise green transformation through market-oriented measures, digital technology empowerment, and long-term incentive mechanisms, providing theoretical foundations and practical guidance for government policy formulation and enterprise green development.
PubDate: 2025-03-26T00:00:00Z
- Co-production of climate services: challenges and enablers
Authors: Daniela Jacob, Asun Lera St. Clair, Roché Mahon, Simon Marsland, Mzime Ndebele Murisa, Carlo Buontempo, Roger S. Pulwarty, Md Rezwan Siddiqui, Amanda Grossi, Anna Steynor, Raymond Mugandani, Lisa V. Alexander, Alex C. Ruane, Francisco J. Doblas-Reyes, Geneva List, Maria Wolff, Sameera Noori
Abstract: Climate change is often connected to an increase in weather extreme frequencies and severity, demanding an increased necessity in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to and building resilience to these changes and impacts. This happens in a background of climate variability that already impacts several climate-sensitive sectors. There is an urgent need for fit-for-purpose climate services and service professionals to support these mitigation and adaptation efforts. Co-development of climate services can enhance their usefulness (context-specific and fit for purpose), usability (easy access and handling), and usage (transfer and upscale) by ensuring appropriate and iterative engagement between climate service providers and users, development of timely, reliable and usable products, and the provision of services to users in a truly accessible manner. Achieving co-development asks for reframing and scaled-up transdisciplinary, sustained, and multidirectional approaches between a diversity of information users and providers. For these processes, it is key to also address and further minimize or overcome barriers of co-production, while supporting enabling and accelerating mechanisms, better preparation of climate services providers including National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, private actors, civil society, and academia for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work, enhanced individual and institutional capacity development and governance mechanisms.
PubDate: 2025-03-25T00:00:00Z
- Innovations in buyouts: lessons from lived and learned experience
Authors: Anna Weber, Kristin Marcell, Maggie Osthues, Shameika Hanson, Carri Hulet
Abstract: Across the United States, tens of thousands of people have sold their homes to the government to address risk from flooding or another natural hazard. After the sale, the structure is typically demolished and the land preserved as open space. This process, referred to as a home buyout, is the nation’s primary mechanism for relocation assistance in the aftermath of a disaster or in the face of recurring hazards, and the number of homes that have been purchased and demolished in the past is dwarfed by the number that is anticipated in the future. Community members, researchers, practitioners, and advocates have long observed challenges with government-funded home buyout programs in the United States. Often, home buyouts do not meet communities’ needs and can even create new problems. At the same time, demand for relocation support is growing in many areas, while current funding, programming, and expertise is insufficient to address the scale of the challenge. We need better buyouts that work for residents and local governments alike. To build a better buyout, we need to draw from the lived and learned experiences of both community members and practitioners. Between December 2021 and October 2022, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), CH Consulting, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Climigration Network, convened conversations with buyout practitioners and buyout participants/residents of communities affected by buyouts. The participants spanned 14 states, from coastal to inland locations across the contiguous United States. This policy and practice review summarizes the recommendations generated through these workshop series, as well as the methods used to design and facilitate the sessions and subsequent work done to implement the recommendations and develop a community of practice for better buyouts.
PubDate: 2025-03-25T00:00:00Z
- From informal coordination to formalised policy integration: options for
strengthening climate change adaptation in EU finance and trade policy
Authors: Samuli Pitzén, Paula Kivimaa, Mikael Hildén, Claire Mosoni
Abstract: Progressing climate change is causing a growing need for policy domains to adapt to its effects. Especially cross-border impacts of climate change are only beginning to be recognised in trade and finance. Through a qualitative analysis of 15 semi-structured interviews and 30 policy documents and reports, we examine adaptation policy integration and coherence in the European Union. Specifically, we investigate how policy actors in the trade and finance domains recognise adaptation needs and whether progress is being made. Our findings show that there has been progress mostly at the level of policy objectives and informal coordination between domains, whereas formalised actions and instruments promoting integration and coherence are emerging slowly. Moreover, we find that managing the cross-border impacts of climate change and adapting to them is demanding due to (1) the complex and interconnected ways in which impacts are transmitted, (2) the detailed understanding of the impact and response transmission systems needed for policy responses, and (3) the lack of formal integration of the climate change adaptation policy within EU trade and finance policies. Given these challenges, and the rapid advance of climate change, there is a need for high-level political commitment to progress with the preparedness for cross-border climate change impacts in trade and finance.
PubDate: 2025-03-25T00:00:00Z
- Factors influencing urban farmers’ intention to adapt to climate change
in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a protection motivation theory
Authors: Endalkachew Getu, Bereket Ayenew, Kanchan Singh, Mitiku Adisu Worku
Abstract: Globally, climate change (CC) is a widely recognized fact, particularly in the past few decades. Developing nations like Ethiopia have been experiencing climate change and its effects on agriculture. In this regard, urban agriculture is one of the sectors significantly impacted by adverse change in climate. However, there is scant empirical evidence on the factors influencing urban farmers’ intention to adapt to climate change in urban centers of Ethiopia. To fill the research gap, this study aimed to identify factors influencing urban farmers’ intention to adapt to climate change in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In doing so, a quantitative research approach with a random sampling technique was applied. Based on the protection motivation theory (PMT), primary data were collected from 364 respondents using a survey questionnaire. Accordingly, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify and analyze the underlying relationships among the nine constructs used in this study. Hence, the results revealed that selecting new crop varieties, water management practices, adjusting dates of sowing crops with changing local climatic conditions, and sowing drought-resistant crops were major adaptation practices. Hence, the perception of CC indicators, the perceived effects of CC, incentives, subjective norms, adaptation efficacy, and self-efficacy were found to positively and significantly influence urban farmers’ intention to adapt. In contrast, urban farmers (UFs) show less intention to adapt to CC when subjected to maladaptive behaviors. Based on this, the study recommends strengthening the capacity of local institutions, farmer training and education, climate information dissemination such as early warning systems, access to extension services, and access to finance to equip urban farmers to undertake practical adaptation strategies in the face of climate change.
PubDate: 2025-03-24T00:00:00Z
- Climate-induced risks, adaptation, and mitigation responses: a comparative
study on climate-stressed coastal communities
Authors: Sadhon Chandra Swarnokar, Sadia Islam Mou, Sutapa Dey Sharmi, Afif Iftikhar, Sabrina Jesmin
Abstract: IntroductionTildanga, Kamarkhola, and Sutarkhali under Dacope Upazila of Bangladesh are climate-stressed coastal unions, highly susceptible to recurrent hydroclimatic challenges and anthropogenic interruptions such as cyclones, storm surges, flooding, waterlogging, salinity intrusion, and erratic rainfall. These challenges significantly impact water resources, agriculture, and prevailing livelihoods. Given the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities, it is crucial to understand local perceptions of climate hazards, their socio-economic impacts, and the adaptation and mitigation strategies implemented to enhance coastal resilience.MethodsThis study adopts a mixed-method approach, incorporating 150 structured questionnaire surveys, six focus group discussions, 15 key informant interviews, and 15 in-depth interviews. The research explores community perceptions of climate risks, grassroots innovations, and adaptive responses aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.ResultsFindings indicate that communities have adopted various strategies to combat coastal challenges, including climate-resilient agriculture, rainwater harvesting, homestead vegetation, mixed cropping with fish culture, opting for saline-tolerant varieties, elevated housing, and disaster preparedness measures. However, financial limitations, inadequate technical knowledge, lack of proper training, and institutional gaps hinder the sustainability and scalability of these strategies. For instance, although solar power-based water management and climate-resilient infrastructure have proven effective, their implementation remains restricted due to resource limitations and inadequate stakeholder participation. Additionally, a gender-responsive approach has empowered women as key contributors to household resilience and inclusive adaptation strategies.DiscussionA comparative analysis reveals that Kamarkhola is more vulnerable to cyclones and floods, whereas Tildanga and Sutarkhali are primarily affected by salinity intrusion. The study further examines the effectiveness of governance in addressing adaptation rates, livelihood and occupational patterns, increasing water stress, and declining agricultural productivity. Addressing these gaps is essential for strengthening climate resilience and ensuring human security. Finally, the study advocates for policy recommendations that integrate local knowledge, enhance institutional support, and foster community engagement to promote long-term resilience and socio-economic stability in these climate-vulnerable regions.
PubDate: 2025-03-20T00:00:00Z
- Stories from the benthos: decolonizing ecological baselines for
understanding social-ecological resilience
Authors: Kate Ortenzi, James Jacque, Michelle Saunders, Jörn Oliver Schmidt, Megan Bailey
Abstract: The people of Nunatsiavut and the Government of Canada have a modern-day treaty that recognizes Labrador Inuit sovereignty on their land and throughout their coastal waters. Together, the Nunatsiavut and Canadian governments outlined the most important research priorities for Nunatsiavut's marine space, which includes setting ecological baselines of the benthos and better understanding Inuit use of benthic resources. This study responds to that priority to understand the social, cultural, and ecological roles benthic species play throughout Nunatsiavut using methodologies that align with Inuit cosmology and concepts of relationality. In doing so, this work attempts to decolonize the process of establishing ecological baselines in Indigenous territories. By conducting semi-structured interviews and adapting network analysis, we show how benthic species are related to each other through the lens of Labrador Inuit knowledge and experience. Labrador Inuit speak of the relationships between the benthos and fish, marine mammals, birds, and terrestrial plants—diminishing the arbitrary boundaries between land and sea to better reflect Inuit worldview. Results also demonstrate how benthic species are integrated into activities such as commercial and subsistence fishing, hunting, play, research, gardening, crafting, ceremony, medicine, and sled dog care. By establishing baselines in this decolonized manner, they contribute to understanding the profound social-ecological effects of climate change that go well beyond the direct and indirect results of changes in species presence, absence, and abundance. Most importantly, however, is the understanding of the complexity of benthic relationships for Labrador Inuit, which supports resilience in the face of climatic change.
PubDate: 2025-03-12T00:00:00Z
- Trend analysis of climate change and effect of climate-smart agricultural
practices: the case of Humbo Woreda, Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Mefekir Woldegebriel Tessema, Addisu Damtew Atnafe, Simon Emane Tora, Amare Bantider, Ergado Shure
Abstract: This study investigates the trends of climate change and evaluates the effects of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices in Humbo Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. The findings revealed a significant increase in temperature and irregular rainfall patterns, which adversely affected agricultural productivity. This research employed a mixed-method approach, gathering data from household surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations. The key CSA practices adopted by smallholder farmers include agroforestry, soil and water conservation, and integrated soil fertility management. These practices were reported to enhance food security indicators, with 85% of the respondents noting improved income and 80% recognizing increased consumption after adopting CSA practices. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as low adoption rates and implementation barriers persist. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to expand CSA adoption, improve farmers’ capacity, and address environmental vulnerabilities. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to foster environments that support sustainable agricultural practices.
PubDate: 2025-03-12T00:00:00Z
- Direct effects of ocean alkalinity enhancement in the Baltic Sea–results
from in-silico experiments
Authors: Anna-Adriana Anschütz, Jannine M. Lencina-Avila, Gregor Rehder, Bronwyn Cahill, Thomas Neumann, Hagen Radtke
Abstract: To achieve carbon neutrality, ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is currently being researched as a marine option for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The approach of releasing calcite near the sediments and using the effect of enhanced mineral solubility in the pore water for more efficient dissolution may be promising in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea is considered a potential application site for this method, as, in contrast to other seas, it is partly undersaturated in calcite even at shallow depths. However, the possible implications of this method, specifically if applied in coastal settings, are still poorly understood. Therefore, using a coupled hydrodynamic and biogeochemical ocean model of the Baltic Sea, we simulated the release of calcite near the sediment as a possible strategy for OAE. Simulations were run with and without enhanced solubility in the pore water for two release locations, one in shallow coastal water and one in a deep basin. While enhanced solubility by oxic mineralisation did not make a difference for the deep basin, it substantially changed the achievable calcite dissolution rates at the coastal site and therefore the potential CO2 removal. Here, our simulations provide a lower and an upper limit of the effectiveness of calcite dissolution. The release locations differed considerably in magnitude and timescales of CO2 uptake. As the saturation level of calcite appears to be the main limiting factor of the method, the CO2 removal potential of a release location cannot be upscaled infinitely by adding more calcite. Our results demonstrate a potential for OAE using calcite in the Baltic Sea. We used the model results on average and maximum changes in alkalinity and pH to reflect on potential environmental impacts based on a review of the existing literature. However, safe and responsible deployment of this CDR method in the Baltic Sea requires further research on localized dissolution rates, the alkalinity budget of the Baltic Sea and the environmental implications of OAE using calcite.
PubDate: 2025-03-10T00:00:00Z
- Reactive transport simulation of organic and inorganic carbon cycling
following carbon dioxide sorption onto soil amendments in drylands
Authors: Stefanie Helmrich, Alexandra J. Ringsby, Kate Maher
Abstract: Terrestrial nature-based climate solutions (NbCS) for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) are critical for mitigating climate change. However, the arid climates characteristic of drylands (aridity index
PubDate: 2025-03-07T00:00:00Z
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