Search Results (56,834)

The frequency and economic damage of natural disasters have increased globally over the last two decades due to climate change. This increase has an impact on the disaster insurance field, particularly in the calculation of premiums. Many regions have a shortcoming in employing insurance because the premium is too high compared with their budget allocation. As one of the solutions, the premium calculation can be developed by applying the cross-subsidies mechanism based on economic growth. Therefore, this research aims to develop premium models of natural disaster insurance that uniquely involve two new variables of an insured region: cross-subsidies and the economic growth rate. Another novelty is the development of the Black–Scholes model, considering the two new variables, and it is used to formulate the premium model. Following the modeling process, this study uses the model to estimate the premiums for natural disaster insurance in each province of Indonesia. The estimation results show that all new variables involved in the model novelties significantly affect the premiums. This research can be used by insurance companies to determine the premium of natural disaster insurance, which involves cross-subsidies and economic growth. Full article

The cross-hybridization of American chestnut (Castanea dentata(Marsh.) Borkh.) with Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissimaBl.) is a promising strategy for restoring a blight-resistant strain of this keystone species to the Appalachian mountains. To assess the ecological impacts of hybridization on invertebrate communities, we conducted a study across chestnut plots with varying degrees of hybridization (75%, 94%, or 100% American chestnut). Our findings indicate American chestnut hybridization impacted invertebrate communities above- and belowground. Aboveground insect community composition, insect herbivory, gall infestation, and belowground invertebrate diversity were all altered. While some of these differences could be explained by different growth habits or environmental differences, stark differences in Asian chestnut gall wasp infestation (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu.) suggest a genetic component. These results suggest that chestnut hybridization, and particularly expanded restoration efforts using chestnut hybrids, could impact invertebrate communities above- and belowground in addition to pest dynamics. Understanding these effects is crucial for successful chestnut restoration and ecosystem management. Full article

Although the influence of climate on the fire regime is unanimously recognized, most publications and studies on this influence are on a global scale. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the role of climate in wildfire incidence at the country and regional scale using multivariate statistical analysis and machine learning methods (clustering and classification algorithms). Mainland Portugal was chosen as a case study due to its climate and because it is the European region most affected by wildfires. The results demonstrate the climate signature in the spatial and temporal distribution of the wildfire incidence. The conclusions of the study include (i) the existence of two pyro-regions, with different types of climate (Csb and Csa) composed of NUTS II regions: the northern region composed of the Norte and Centro regions and the southern region composed of Alentejo and Algarve; (ii) the intra-annual variability in the wildfire incidence, characterized by two peaks, one in the spring and the other in the summer, are a consequence of the country’s type of climate; and (iii) how the annual cycle of wildfire incidence varies over the years depends on the weather conditions throughout each year. These results are of fundamental importance for wildfire managers, especially in the context of climate change. Full article

This study aimed to assess the adaptive capacity of the dominant tree species in Lithuania, namely Scots pine, Norway spruce, and silver birch, to current climate conditions based on their changes in transpiration expressed through the tree sap flow intensity. The species-specific responses were investigated at two typical edaphically different forest sites with water-limited and water-saturated soils. Contrasting events like overflow in 2017 and drought in 2019 provided an opportunity to detect the adaptative capacity of the monitored tree species to these meteorological extremes. Norway spruce trees, due to having both the most intense sap flow at the beginning of the growing season and the longest period of active transpiration, demonstrated the highest annual transpiration rate, regardless of the hydrological regime of the site. Their decreased resilience to subsequent biogenic damage caused by pests due to a significant decrease in sap flow density during intense and prolonged droughts may reduce their importance in Lithuanian forestry. Silver birch trees, which demonstrated a reduction in sap flow after a drought following the untimely drop of their leaves and the end of active vegetation, even at the end of a prolonged warm period, can be seen to not have appropriate adaptations to current climate conditions. Scots pine trees are the best adapted to mitigating the recent threats of climate change. Full article

In the summer of 2021, Greece experienced significant forest fires and mega-fires across multiple regions, leading to human casualties and damage to the natural environment, infrastructure, livestock, and agriculture. The current study aims to assess the ecosystem condition in terms of the natural regeneration and soil conditions of an area burnt by a forest fire (2021), specifically in the Ancient Olympia region situated in West Peloponnese (Ilia Prefecture), Greece. A standardized field sampling methodology was applied to record natural regeneration at chosen sites where a forest fire had also previously occurred (in 2007), resulting in the natural re-growth of the Pinus halepensis forest. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the geochemical, mineralogical, and sedimentological properties of soils obtained from this location. The findings of the research demonstrate the decline in the established natural regeneration of the Pinus halepensis forest and the overall tree layer. Species characteristic of post-fire ecological succession were observed in the shrub and herb layers, displaying varying coverage. The examination of soil mineralogy, sedimentology, and geochemistry indicated that the soil characteristics in the area are conducive to either natural or artificial regeneration. Ultimately, recommendations for landscape rehabilitation strategies are provided to inform decision-making processes, considering future climate conditions. Full article

The prosperity of Po River Valley’s quality agri-food system depends on the efficiency of its field crops, which are recently facing a crisis evidenced by cultivated areas decreasing and yields stagnating. Several factors, including EU policies and climate variability, impose an improvement in the use of production factors and adapted business models: literature shows how digitalization and Agriculture 4.0 can contribute to addressing these challenges. This paper aims to explore drivers and barriers in the adoption of digitalization among Po River Valley field crop farms, in a dynamic view. Using a case study approach to guarantee adequate consideration of context and conditions, three farms were studied. As one of the main outcomes, several drivers (digital skills, data management practices, and interoperability) that should be at the heart of policies were identified as demands to farmers in exchange for financial contributions, or as “innovation space” offered by EU institutions. Policies should not only focus on supporting mechanical/digital equipment acquisition but also on promoting the evolution of farmers’ human capital. The framework developed paves the way for future research on the degree of farm digitalization in the same/similar territorial contexts: identified drivers of digital transition can be used as a basis for survey questionnaires, as well as tested in their validity. Full article

Ninh Thuan is a coastal province in the central region of Vietnam and is characterized by a climate that is the hottest and driest in the country. Vietnam is also one of the top five countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change worldwide. The objective of this study was a thorough evaluation of the quality of water supply sources and the impacts of water effluents from shrimp farms in Ninh Thuan province. The comprehensive evaluation was based on an understanding of the water–wastewater cycle employed in coastal shrimp cultivation. We combined qualitative and quantitative analyses in undertaking this study. Secondary data of groundwater and coastal water from the local periodic water quality monitoring program and national technical regulations were collected in the qualitative approach. We also integrated participatory rural appraisal techniques and field observations to understanding shrimp cultivation and the environmental and social impacts of shrimp farm effluents. The quantitative assessment consisted of measuring groundwater and wastewater contamination from shrimp ponds. As a result, four main reasons for water pollution issues were determined including extreme weather events, shrimp cultivation practices, degraded infrastructure, and mismanagement by local governance. Shrimp cultivation practices (feeding, using chemicals) have resulted in elevated levels of suspended solid (TSS, total Coliform), organic and carbon matter (BOD₅, COD), and excessive nutrients (total Nitrogen, NO₂-N, NO₃-N, PO₄-P). According to a local monitoring program, the coastal water and groundwater have experienced nutrient pollution. Groundwater sampling near the shrimp farms identified salinization elevated levels of Coliform from local domestic sewage sources. This study resulted in an integrated approach that evaluated the combined effects of extreme weather events and shrimp farming practices on the quality of coastal water. Also, the finding can be useful in recommending remedial water treatment technologies as a follow-on phase. Full article

Ecological carbon sinks, pivotal in mitigating carbon emissions, are indispensable for climate change mitigation. Counties, as the fundamental units of ecological space management, directly impact the achievement of regional dual carbon targets through their levels of carbon sink. However, existing research has overlooked the intricate relationship between terrain features and ecological spaces, leading to a lack of specific guidance on enhancing the carbon sink for counties with diverse landform characteristics. This study focused on Jingbian County (Loess Plateau), Fuping County (Guanzhong Plain), and Chenggu County (Qinba Mountains), each characterized by distinct landform characteristics. This study proposes a comprehensive identification model for ecological space within the context of dual carbon targets. Utilizing this model as a basis, the land use structure, carbon sink potential, and ecological spatial patterns of different counties were systematically analyzed. The results indicated substantial disparities in land use structure, carbon sink capabilities, and ecological space distributions among counties with different landform types. Specifically, Jingbian County was predominantly covered by grassland, exhibiting a moderate overall carbon sink capacity, with baseline ecological spaces playing a significant role. Conversely, Fuping County, dominated by cultivated land and construction land, exhibited the lowest carbon sink capacity, with non-ecological spaces accounting for a staggering 85.93%. Chenggu County, on the other hand, was characterized by the dominance of forestland, with nearly all its carbon sink originating from forestland, and core ecological spaces occupying a leading position. Tailored optimization strategies are recommended based on varying terrain features: Jingbian County should prioritize ecosystem restoration and conservation, while Fuping County should concentrate on optimizing land use structure and promoting urban greening. Reinforcing the carbon sink capacity of existing ecosystems is crucial for Chenggu County. This study broadens the perspective on ecological space optimization and provides scientific guidance and pragmatic insights tailored to regional disparities, which are instrumental in assisting various regions to achieve their dual carbon targets. Full article

This study addresses the critical interplay between sustainable living and thermal comfort within residential buildings in subtropical steppe (BSh) climates, particularly in Northern Iraq. With the global imperative to enhance energy efficiency and occupant well-being, this research emphasizes the identification of thermoneutral indoor air temperature ranges that both support sustainable energy use and ensure the occupants' thermal comfort. By analyzing the acceptable temperature limits across different building orientations during summer and winter, the study utilizes the predicted mean vote–predicted percentage dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) index approach to establish thermal comfort thresholds. The findings reveal that the optimal summer and winter indoor air temperatures are 29.2 °C and 19.4 °C, respectively, with variations across orientations highlighting the significant influence of building directionality on achieving thermoneutral conditions. A wider range of accepted temperatures exists in the eastward orientation in summer (between 26.6 °C and 29.2 °C). The study advances our understanding of sustainable thermal comfort practices, proposing orientation-specific temperature ranges as a cornerstone for reducing energy consumption without compromising occupant comfort in subtropical steppe climates. Full article

In the context of sustainability and ambitious goals for reducing CO₂ emissions, modifying transparency in architecture becomes a crucial tool for managing energy flow into buildings. Kinetic shading systems (KSSs) regulate light and heat entry into a room, thereby reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions and improving daylight comfort. Recent advancements in KSSs have led to a significant increase in published papers since early 2022. This paper systematically reviews recent technological innovations in KSSs and presents the mechanical principles utilized in these systems. Given the kinetic/mechanical nature of all case studies examined, a categorization based on ‘type of motion and deformation’ was used, ranging from the simplest to the most complex solutions. In the context of kinetic systems, the motion category addresses the displacement (translation, rotation, or both) of rigid façade elements, while deformation describes the transformation that changes the shape of these elements. The data are presented in tabular form, including details about building type, climate zone, research type, evaluation, and before and after values. Additionally, some reviewed systems’ authors drew inspiration from nature, employing biomimetic methods to design KSSs. Despite considerable growth, these solutions still represent only 21% of all analyzed shading system cases. This topic is extensively discussed, considering tropical and nastic plant movements towards this paper’s conclusion. The PRISMA protocol was used to review, screen, select, and retrieve all cited papers. This review covers the most recent publications from 2022 to April 2024, recorded in the WoS and Scopus databases, and includes 66 papers. Full article

The growing concern about climate change and the contemporary increase in mobility requirements call for faster, cheaper, safer, and cleaner means of transportation. The retrofitting of fossil-fueled piston engine ultralight aerial vehicles to hydrogen power systems is an option recently proposed in this direction. The goal of this investigation is a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of conventional and hydrogen-based propulsive systems. As a case study, a hybrid electric configuration consisting of a fuel cell with a nominal power of about 30 kW, a 6 kWh LFP battery, and a pressurized hydrogen vessel is proposed to replace a piston prop configuration for an ultralight aerial vehicle. Both power systems are modeled with a backward approach that allows the efficiency of the main components to be evaluated based on the load and altitude at every moment of the flight with a time step of 1 s. A typical 90 min flight mission is considered for the comparative analysis, which is performed in terms of direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide, water, and pollutant substances. For the hydrogen-based configuration, two possible strategies are adopted for the use of the battery: charge sustaining and charge depleting. Moreover, the effect of the altitude on the parasitic power of the fuel cell compressor and, consequently, on the net efficiency of the fuel cell system is taken into account. The results showed that even if the use of hydrogen confines the direct environmental impact to the emission of water (in a similar quantity to the fossil fuel case), the indirect emissions associated with the production, transportation, and delivery of hydrogen and electricity compromise the desired achievement of pollutant-free propulsion in terms of equivalent emissions of CO₂ and VOCs if hydrogen is obtained from natural gas reforming. However, in the case of green hydrogen from electrolysis with wind energy, the total (direct and indirect) emissions of CO₂ can be reduced up to 1/5 of the fossil fuel case. The proposed configuration has the additional advantage of eliminating the problem of lead, which is used as an additive in the AVGAS 100LL. Full article

Assessment of the concentrations of dust pollution resulting from both measurements at reference stations and those determined using mathematical modelling requires accurate identification of the sources of emission. Although the concentration of dust results from several complex transport processes, as well as chemical and microphysical transformations of aerosols, sources of emissions may have a significant impact on the local level of pollution. This pilot study aimed to use measurements of the concentrations of dust (with the specification of the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions) made over a heap/excavation and its surroundings using an airship equipped with equipment for testing the optical and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosols, and a ground station located at the facility. On the basis of the measurements, the function of the source of emissions of dust was estimated. According to our study, the yearly emission of dust varies between 42 470 and 886 289 kg for PM10, and between 42 470 and 803 893 for PM2.5 (minimum and maximum values). A model of local air quality was also used, which allowed us to verify the parameterization of emissions of dust pollutants for the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions from heaps and excavations based on the modelling results. Full article

In agriculture, especially in crop breeding, innovative approaches are required to address the urgent issues posed by climate change and global food security. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology in wheat breeding that provides new approaches to improve the ability of crops to withstand and produce higher yields in response to changing climate circumstances. This review paper examines the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into conventional wheat breeding methods, with a focus on the contribution of AI in tackling the intricacies of contemporary agriculture. This review aims to assess the influence of AI technologies on enhancing the efficiency, precision, and sustainability of wheat breeding projects. We conduct a thorough analysis of recent research to evaluate several applications of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and genomic selection (GS). These technologies expedite the swift analysis and interpretation of extensive datasets, augmenting the process of selecting and breeding wheat varieties that are well-suited to a wide range of environmental circumstances. The findings from the examined research demonstrate notable progress in wheat breeding as a result of artificial intelligence. ML algorithms have enhanced the precision of predicting phenotypic traits, whereas genomic selection has reduced the duration of breeding cycles. Utilizing artificial intelligence, high-throughput phenotyping allows for meticulous examination of plant characteristics under different stress environments, facilitating the identification of robust varieties. Furthermore, AI-driven models have exhibited superior predicted accuracies for crop productivity and disease resistance in comparison to conventional methods. AI technologies play a crucial role in the modernization of wheat breeding, providing significant enhancements in crop performance and adaptability. This integration not only facilitates the growth of wheat cultivars that provide large yields and can withstand stressful conditions but also strengthens global food security in the context of climate change. Ongoing study and collaboration across several fields are crucial to improving and optimizing these AI applications, ultimately enhancing their influence on sustainable agriculture. Full article

Examining the interconnected dynamics of urbanization and climate change is crucial due to their implications for environmental, social, and public health systems. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of these dynamics in the Peshawar Valley, a rapidly urbanizing region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, over a 30-year period (1990–2020). A novel methodological framework integrating remote sensing, GIS techniques, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) was developed to analyze land use/land cover (LULC) changes, particularly the expansion of the built-up environment, along with the land surface temperature (LST) and heat index (HI). This framework intricately links these elements, providing a unique perspective on the environmental transformations occurring in the Peshawar Valley. Unlike previous studies that focused on individual aspects, this research offers a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between urbanization, land use changes, temperature dynamics, and heat index variations. Over three decades, urbanization expanded significantly, with built-up areas increasing from 6.35% to 14.13%. The population surged from 5.3 million to 12.6 million, coupled with significant increases in registered vehicles (from 0.171 million to 1.364 million) and operational industries (from 327 to 1155). These transitions influenced air quality and temperature dynamics, as evidenced by a highest mean LST of 30.30 °C and a maximum HI of 55.48 °C, marking a notable increase from 50.54 °C. These changes show strong positive correlations with built-up areas, population size, registered vehicles, and industrial activity. The findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies, public health interventions, and sustainable practices to mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization and climate change in the Peshawar Valley. Sustainable urban development strategies and climate change mitigation measures are crucial for ensuring a livable and resilient future for the region. This long-term analysis provides a robust foundation for future projections and policy recommendations. Full article

Ruminant livestock industries can support the climate stabilization ambitions of the Paris Agreement through interventions that reduce GHG emissions (predominantly biogenic methane) and sequester carbon in landscapes. This study explored pathways for the Australian red meat industry (grazing, feedlot finishing, and domestic processing) to become climate neutral, whereby the radiative forcing (RF) footprint is plateaued and there is no additional forcing contribution. Emissions timeseries (CO₂, N₂O, CH₄) were compiled for 1990 to 2020 and projected to 2030 under a business-as-usual scenario (including an 18% increase in sheep and 13% increase in beef cattle) and with a range of production system and vegetation management interventions. The RF footprint peaked in 2018 at 7.13 mW/m² and decreased to 7.07 mW/m² in 2020. With the future expansion of the herd/flock and under business-as-usual conditions, the RF footprint is projected to increase by 2.8% by 2030. However, with a combination of interventions, production has the potential to increase with a decreasing RF footprint, a condition that can be described as climate neutral. The Australian red meat industry has made an historical contribution to global RF increase. However, with ongoing RF management, it is possible to increase food production within climate-neutral limits. Full article