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Bibliography on: Climate Change

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 20 May 2025 at 02:00 Created: 

Climate Change

The world is warming up, with 2023 being by far the hottest year since record keeping began and 2024 shaping up to be hotter yet. But these changes only involve one or two degrees. What's the big deal?

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one liter of water by one degree is one kilocalorie (kcal). Scaling up, the amount of energy required for a one-degree increase in the water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is 2,434,000,000,000,000,000 kcals. That's 25 million times more energy than released by the WW-II atomic bomb that destroyed the city of Hiroshima and killed more than 100,000 people.

So, for every one degree increase in water temperature, the Gulf of Mexico takes on 25-million atomic bombs worth of new energy, which is then available to fuel hurricanes and other storms. Maybe a one-degree rise in temperature is a big deal.

Created with PubMed® Query: (( "climate change"[TITLE] OR "global warming"[TITLE] )) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-05-15

Liu D, Callaghan DP, TE Baldock (2025)

Quantifying the impact of future climate change on the risk of coral rubble instability across the Great Barrier Reef by 2100.

Journal of environmental management, 386:125716 pii:S0301-4797(25)01692-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Coral reef systems are facing unprecedented pressures due to climate change, and stable coral rubble substrates are crucial for facilitating large-scale coral regeneration. This study integrates the Sixth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project climate models, sea-level rise projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report, Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios, and applies machine learning techniques to assess the risk of coral rubble instability in the Great Barrier Reef under future wave climate and depth change scenarios. Using the EC-Earth climate model under the SSP5-8.5 scenario-calibrated with data from 41 synoptic stations-we estimated various climate data for 2031-2100 and examined the impact of key factors such as wave climate and depth changes on the risk of coral instability. Coral rubble instability risk depends on future wave climate and depth changes from sea-level rise and deposition. Future changes in wave climate are expected to increase the risk of instability, while increased depth mitigates these destabilizing effects. Over the next 70 years, most areas of the Great Barrier Reef are projected to experience stable or decreasing risk of coral rubble instability. The proportion of no-risk areas is higher in the northern regions, whereas the far southern regions have fewer no-risk areas and more high-risk zones. High-risk and very high-risk areas are mainly concentrated along reef edges, reefs facing the Pacific Ocean, and shallow waters near the shoreline. The transition between high-risk and low-risk areas is gradual rather than abrupt. Annual projections align with long-term trends: coral rubble remains relatively stable in the northern and central regions, which is more conducive to future coral recovery. However, the persistent presence of high-risk and very high risk areas poses significant challenges to coral recovery in the far southern region. By providing insights into the spatial and temporal evolution of coral rubble instability risk, this study aims to support decision-makers, environmental scientists and researchers in formulating appropriate interventions to enhance the resilience of coral reefs under changing environmental conditions.

RevDate: 2025-05-15

Feng X, Tian Y, Guo D, et al (2025)

Quantifying role of source variations on PM2.5-bound toxic components under climate change: Measurement at multiple sites during 2018-2022 in a Chinese megacity.

Journal of hazardous materials, 494:138584 pii:S0304-3894(25)01500-6 [Epub ahead of print].

Understanding the response of PM2.5-bound toxic components to source variations under climate change is crucial for public health protection. However, the lack of long-term and multi-site observational data of toxic components limits such efforts. Here, we conducted a five-year PM2.5 measurement (2018-2022) at 10 sites across a Chinese megacity, analyzing 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 6 organophosphate esters (OPEs), and 9 potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Using explainable machine learning, we found that source variations from particle matter mass reduction under climate change can impact PM2.5-bound toxic components. Meteorological factors like extreme heat days and max temperature impact most toxic components, while geographic, socioeconomic, and anthropogenic factors mainly affect PTEs, especially Cu. We also designed 10 extreme heat and source variation scenarios to predict the response of toxic components. When comparing scenario 2-1 (source variation without temperature change) with scenario 2-2 and 2-3 (the same source variation but higher temperatures), many PM2.5-bound organics and As show higher reduction rates under climate change, highlighting the need to focus more on gas-phase organics and products of atmospheric process. Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) is most sensitive to traffic source reductions, and Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe are more sensitive to industrial source reductions.

RevDate: 2025-05-19
CmpDate: 2025-05-15

Running Horse Collin Y, Bataille CP, Hershauer S, et al (2025)

Sustainability insights from Late Pleistocene climate change and horse migration patterns.

Science (New York, N.Y.), 388(6748):748-755.

Climate affects habitat, food availability, and the movement and sustainability of all life. In this work, we apply Indigenous and Western scientific methods, including genomics and isotope profiling, on fossils from across Beringia to explore the effect of climate change on horses. We find that Late Pleistocene horses from Alaska and northern Yukon are related to populations from Eurasia and crossed the Bering land bridge multiple times during the last glacial interval. We also find deeply divergent lineages north and south of the American ice sheets that genetically influenced populations across Beringia and into Eurasia. As climate warmed and horses entered the ice-free corridor connecting Beringia and midcontinental America, restricted mobility and food availability impeded population growth. Our combined Western and Indigenous framework offers critical guidance for wildlife conservation amid ongoing climate change.

RevDate: 2025-05-15

Topsakal Ö, E Çevik (2025)

Climate Change Awareness: Does It Affect the Fertility Desire?.

Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.) [Epub ahead of print].

AIM: The primary aim of the study was to explore the impact of women's climate change awareness on fertility desire, while the secondary aim was to explore the factors influencing women's fertility desire.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed descriptive and correlational type with 440 women without children between March and October 2023. The women's characteristics form and Fertility Desire Scale and Climate Change Awareness Scale were used for data collection.

RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 26.2 ± 4 years, with 55.2% aged 26 or younger; 54.3% held university degrees, and 93% had health insurance. Findings indicate a significant mean total score of 50.7 ± 7.6 on the Fertility Desire Scale, influenced by education, health insurance, income level, marital duration, and type of marriage. Women with higher education levels and those in couple-initiated marriages reported lower fertility desire. The Climate Change Awareness Scale showed a mean score of 210.8 ± 23.2, with higher awareness among those over 26, employed, and with higher education. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant predictors of fertility desire, including marital duration and income level. Notably, climate change awareness negatively correlated with fertility desire, explaining 3.1% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the complex interplay between environmental concerns and reproductive intentions among women, indicating a need for further research in this area.

RevDate: 2025-05-15
CmpDate: 2025-05-15

Luo CH, Wang WY, Huang JX, et al (2025)

[Predicting the impact of climate change on the habitat distribution of Grus nigricollis based on the MaxEnt model].

Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology, 36(4):1251-1260.

Under the context of global climate change, the shifts in suitable habitats of different species have become one of the major threats to biodiversity. We simulated the distribution habitats of Grus nigricollis under current climatic condition and predicted potential changes under three climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) with the MaxEnt model based on the distribution records of G. nigricollis and environmental variables. The results showed that: 1) Elevation, annual temperature range, and mean temperature of the wettest quarter were the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of potential breeding habitats for G. nigricollis, while the wintering habitats were significantly influenced by factors such as isothermality, elevation, and temperature annual range. 2) Under the current climate condition, the breeding habitats of G. nigricollis were mainly distributed in Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan of China, as well as India, with a highly suitable breeding area of 27.07×10[4] km[2]. The wintering grounds were primarily located in Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan of China, as well as Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Myanmar, with a highly suitable wintering area of 21.15×10[4] km[2]. 3) Under future climate scenarios, the overall potential suitable habitats for G. nigricollis remained stable, with the retention rate of stable areas exceeding 80%. Among these, the breeding habitats showed an increasing trend, while the wintering habitats exhibited a decreasing trend. 4) Under different climate scenarios, the centroid of breeding ground of G. nigricollis would gene-rally move southeastward, while the centroid of wintering ground mainly moved westward, potentially reducing migration distance. By predicting the changes in the potential suitable habitat for G. nigricollis on a large regional scale under future climate scenarios and revealing the impact of climate change on their distribution, this study could provide a scientific basis for the conservation of G. nigricollis and the formulation of relevant strategies.

RevDate: 2025-05-16

Nickoloff AG, Olim ST, Eby M, et al (2025)

An assessment of ocean thermal energy conversion resources and climate change mitigation potential.

Climatic change, 178(5):103.

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy system that harnesses the thermal gradient between surface and deep waters. Many multi-century simulations with a fully coupled climate-carbon cycle model are presented to explore the amount of extractable energy and the climate change mitigation potential from the widespread implementation of OTEC. The sustainability of OTEC power generation was assessed for present and possible future climate states. A warmer climate reduced the sustainable power potential of OTEC. OTEC could briefly produce over 35 TW of power and, depending on the climate state, maximum power production rates of 5 to 10 TW were found to be sustainable on multi-millennial timescales. Over 500 years of simulation, with a high emission scenario (equivalent to RCP8.5), the power from OTEC deployments, with peak power generation ranging from 3 to 15 TW at the year 2100, resulted in cumulative emission reductions equivalent to 36% to 111% of historical carbon emissions from 1750 to 2023 relative to the scenario without OTEC. Such significant emissions reductions coupled with sustained OTEC-induced mixing led to globally averaged atmosphere temperature decreases of up to 2.5 ºC by the year 2100 and up to 4 ºC by the year 2500 compared to a scenario without OTEC. While caution is required, and the engineering challenges would be large, early indications suggest that the large-scale implementation of OTEC could make a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation.

RevDate: 2025-05-16

Abebaw SE (2025)

A Global Review of the Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Agricultural Productivity and Farmers' Adaptation Strategies.

Food science & nutrition, 13(5):e70260.

Climate change and variability-marked by rising temperatures, altered precipitation, and increased extreme weather-have significant impacts on agriculture, especially in Ethiopia, where farming is the primary livelihood source. In Sub-Saharan Africa, staple crop yields are projected to decline by 10%-20% by 2050 under current climate trends, threatening food security and rural economies. In Ethiopia, maize yields may decrease by around 15% by 2050 due to temperature increases and erratic rainfall. These challenges are not unique to Ethiopia; other climate-sensitive regions like South Asia and Latin America face similar risks. For instance, rice and wheat production in South Asia could decline by 10%-15% by mid-century due to heat stress and changing monsoon patterns, affecting millions of smallholder farmers. This review systematically examined literature from 2000 to 2024, focusing on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Ethiopia and comparable regions. The increasing frequency of droughts and heatwaves in East Africa has worsened crop failures, with wheat yields declining by up to 25% in certain areas over recent decades. Climate variability-characterized by rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall-disrupts growing seasons and reduces yields, exacerbating food insecurity. In Ethiopia, climate-induced reductions in crop output have led to an estimated 5%-10% decline in annual agricultural GDP. The heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, combined with limited adaptive capacity and socio-economic vulnerability, intensifies these impacts, resulting in food shortages and economic strain. Beyond Africa, regions dependent on monsoon systems, particularly in South Asia, are also experiencing declining crop productivity. Projected climate scenarios suggest that by 2080, crop production in drought-prone areas across Africa and South Asia could decrease by up to 25% due to rising temperatures and altered rainfall. These projections highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural practices and effective adaptation strategies.

RevDate: 2025-05-16

Russo D, Mäenurm A, Cistrone L, et al (2025)

Climate Change-Driven Heatwaves Pose Lethal Risks to Newborn Forest Bats.

Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71350.

Climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, with extreme weather events such as heatwaves exacerbating the risks to animal populations. Temperature extremes can cause high physiological stress in animals, particularly in species or life stages with limited thermoregulatory abilities. While available evidence pertains to flying foxes and bats using bat boxes or dwelling in urban environments, heatwave-induced mortality in forest-dwelling species in temperate forests has not been reported. We present the first evidence of heatwave-related mortality in temperate forest bats, specifically in common noctules Nyctalus noctula, observed in northeast Italy during the summers of 2023 and 2024. Our fieldwork, conducted in a forest fragment in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region (Northeastern Italy), identified 17 dead juvenile bats found at the base of roost trees during periods of extreme heat (Tmax ≥ 30°C). Laboratory necropsies revealed that the cause of death was consistent with heat-related stress, as no viral infections were detected, and recent feeding evidence was present in a few individuals. Dead bats are difficult to find in forests, especially when mortality occurs in unsurveyed areas, scavengers remove carcasses, or deaths go unnoticed within roost cavities. Consequently, our observations likely represent only a limited fraction of actual mortality. The phenomenon may be quantitatively significant and widespread. The findings highlight the vulnerability of bat populations to heatwaves, particularly in fragmented forest habitats where roosting opportunities are limited. Our results allow us to hypothesise that forest fragmentation increases exposure to heat stress, particularly along forest edges. In the context of climate change, roosts deemed suitable may act as ecological traps, making this a hypothesis worth testing.

RevDate: 2025-05-15
CmpDate: 2025-05-15

Li J, CF Liu (2025)

Spatial and temporal variations in ecosystem health and coping strategy in the Hexi Corridor under climate change.

Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology, 36(2):537-546.

The health status of ecosystems is the foundation for global climate change adaptation decision-making and a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring regional ecosystem stability. We constructed an ecosystem health assessment indicator system based on a contribution, vigor, organization and resilience model from the perspectives of system integrity and contributive capacity. With this system, we analyzed the spatial-temporal variation of ecosystem health in Hexi Corridor and its relationship with climate change from 2000 to 2020 by utilizing the bivariate Moran's index. Results showed that the ecosystem health index in the Hexi Corridor improved by 2.5% during 2000-2020. The central oasis area and the southeastern mountainous area showed significant improvement in ecological health, while the northern desert area and some localized regions experienced degradation. During the study period, the overall health status of the Hexi Corridor's ecosystem remained at a moderate level, with consistent trend across various dimensions that initially declined before subsequently rising. There was a significant spatial positive correlation between climate change and ecosystem health. In the arid and low-precipitation condition of the Hexi Corridor, increased average annual precipitation and elevated average annual temperature contributed positively to ecosystem health, which was the key determinants of regional ecosystem health. Finally, we proposed corresponding strategies for enhancing ecosystem health levels in the southern Qilian Mountain area, the central oasis areas, and the nor-thern desert areas.

RevDate: 2025-05-17
CmpDate: 2025-05-15

Wang W, Mensah IA, Atingabili S, et al (2025)

Climate change as a game changer: Rethinking Africa's food security- health outcome nexus through a multi-sectoral lens.

Scientific reports, 15(1):16824.

In Africa, the intricate relationship between food security and health outcomes is increasingly challenged by the unpredictable forces of climate change. With this in mind, we utilized panel data spanning from 2010-2022 for 46 African nations, sub-grouped into regional panels to analyze the moderating role of climate change on food security- health outcome nexus, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and 13 (Climate Action). Considering issues of residual cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity which are potential in panel data setting, the study utilized the Augmented Mean Group and the Common Correlated Mean Group techniques as the main methods in estimating the relationships amid the employed variables. Major outcomes from the study's analysis revealed that, across all panels of African states, there is no doubt that climate change has a substantial, direct detrimental impact on health outcomes. Also, while the moderating effect of climate change is clearly negative in the case of Northern and Central regional panels, it is significantly positive in the aggregated, Eastern, Western, and Southern African regions with regard to the relationship between food security and health outcomes. In light of these findings, addressing the relationship between food security and health in Africa while taking the moderating impacts of climate change into account requires a region-specific approach.

RevDate: 2025-05-16
CmpDate: 2025-05-15

Lankamo AA, R D, Bati BE, et al (2025)

Confronting the uncertainty: Vulnerability to climate change among smallholder farmers in the Sidaama region, Ethiopia.

PloS one, 20(5):e0323469.

Smallholder farmers' vulnerability to climate change varies due to socio-economic and biophysical factors, requiring a context-specific assessment. This study examines livelihood vulnerability in the face of climate change in the Sidaama Region, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods approach with a descriptive and explanatory sequential design was employed. Data from 391 systematically sampled households were analyzed using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) framework (LVI_IPCC), alongside Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Results of LVI analysis indicate that the Lowland agroecological zone (AEZ) is the most vulnerable (0.466), followed by the Highland (0.412), while the Midland is least vulnerable (0.376). The Highland AEZ showed greater sensitivity to climate change, whereas the Lowland had the weakest adaptive capacity. The Kruskal-Wallis H test confirmed significant differences in vulnerability across AEZs (H = 49.083, p < 0.001), with Dunn's test revealing that the Lowland AEZ is significantly more vulnerable than both the Highland and Midland. LVI_IPCC results similarly ranked the Lowland as the most vulnerable (-0.0041), followed by the Midland (-0.072), with the Highland being the least vulnerable (-0.096). Boxplot analysis further confirmed that the lowland had the highest median LVI_IPCC, indicating greater livelihood vulnerability, while the Highland and Midland had lower median values. To reduce vulnerability, targeted interventions such as climate-smart agriculture, diversified income sources, improved microfinance access, and tailored climate adaptation strategies are needed. Local, regional, and national governments should prioritize disaster prevention and mitigation in the Lowland while leveraging the Midland's higher adaptability for piloting innovative adaptation strategies.

RevDate: 2025-05-14

Zagumyonnaya ON, Zagumyonnyi DG, Gerasimova EA, et al (2025)

A protozoan perspective on climate change and biosafety threats: differences in testate amoebae in lakes in forest-swamp and forest-steppe zones in Western Siberia.

Applied and environmental microbiology [Epub ahead of print].

The problem of increasing salinity and mineralization in natural and artificial freshwater bodies with climate warming is very relevant nowadays, as it leads to changes in the species composition of planktonic organisms. Testate amoebae are one of the responsive bioindicators that are sensitive to even minor changes in environmental conditions. In this study, a comparative analysis of the species diversity of planktonic testate amoebae was carried out in a number of lakes in the forest-steppe and forest-swamp natural zones of Western Siberia using microscopy and metabarcoding. One new species, Pseudodifflugia siemensmai sp. nov., was described. The detection frequency and the number of reads of amplicon sequence variants of potentially pathogenic testate amoebae belonging to the genera Rhogostoma and Fisculla were higher in forest-steppe lakes. Universal eukaryotic primers for the 18S rRNA gene are well suited for identifying testate amoebae from the supergroup Cercozoa but are practically not applicable for identifying Amoebozoa testaceans. The plankton of the lakes with the highest mineralization and salinity was characterized by the most specific species composition. These results should be taken into account when predicting changes in aquatic communities with further climate warming, which may also be associated with an increase in the occurrence of pathogenic testaceans that pose biosafety threats.IMPORTANCEMicroscopic and metabarcoding analyses reveal important differences in testate amoebae communities in lakes in two natural and climatic zones of Western Siberia that should be taken into account when predicting changes in aquatic communities with further climate warming, which may also be associated with an increase in the occurrence of pathogenic testaceans that pose biosafety threats.

RevDate: 2025-05-14

Erkan FM, F Kavak Budak (2025)

The relationship between future anxiety and awareness of global climate change in nursing students.

The International journal of social psychiatry [Epub ahead of print].

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between nursing students' future anxiety and awareness of global climate change.

METHOD: The population of this correlational descriptive study consisted of nursing students studying at a nursing faculty. Three hundred and thirty nursing students were included in the study. The researcher collected data through google forms using a Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Awareness Scale of University Students About Global Climate Change (ASUSGCC) and the Future Anxiety Scale in University Students (FASUS) between March and May 2024.

RESULTS: The ASUSGCC total mean score of the nursing students was 3.43 ± 0.88. Their FASUS total mean score was 61.39 ± 12.98. There was a statistically significant positive, weak correlation between their ASUSGCC and FASUS total mean scores (p < .05).

CONCLUSION: It was found that the nursing students had a moderate level of awareness about global climate change. It can be asserted that the participants had a moderate level of future anxiety based on their FASUS total mean score. In the study, as their level of awareness about climate change elevated, did so their level of future anxiety.

RevDate: 2025-05-15

Han N, Wang J, Feng T, et al (2025)

Rodent Seed Dispersal Syndromes Follow a Downslope Trajectory, Counteracting the Climate Change-Mediated Tree Line Elevational Shift Upwards.

Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71388.

Forest rodents are important mediators of plant seed dispersal and their seed caching tactics are influenced by a variety of environmental factors; however, the role of terrain slope remains uninvestigated. We examined how the dispersal of Castanea mollissima seeds by an assemblage of scatter-hoarding rodents in the Qinling Mountains, China, was affected by slope direction and gradient in relation to seed fate. In this study, the topographic factor, which has been frequently overlooked in previous ecological studies, was investigated. It was revealed that the sloping terrain could affect the dispersal behavior of rodents toward plant seeds and ultimately influence the direction of plant dispersal. This finding brings new insights to ecological research. Overall, rodents were 1.55 more likely to transport seed downhill than uphill, and downhill mean translocation distance was 1.41 times greater than uphill, suggesting an overarching tendency for energy conservation. When comparing steep (> 35°) with shallow (< 35°) slopes, this gradient effect was strongest on gentle slopes, with other factors likely exerting a greater influence on steeper terrain. We discuss these findings both from the perspective of rodent optimal foraging in 'landscapes of fear' and heterogeneous 'energy landscapes', as well as in the context of the counteractive pressure for trees to achieve an uphill elevational shift in response to global warming.

RevDate: 2025-05-14

Åhlberg MK (2025)

Wild Edible Plants: Ensuring Sustainable Food Security in an Era of Climate Change.

Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 14(9):.

Currently, there are more significant threats to food security compared to earlier decades because of the accelerating rate of climate change [...].

RevDate: 2025-05-16
CmpDate: 2025-05-14

Khanal S, Baral SC, M Boeckmann (2025)

Exploring barriers and facilitators to integrating health equity into health and climate change policies in Nepal - a qualitative study among federal level stakeholders.

BMC health services research, 25(1):687.

BACKGROUND: Health is foundational for climate action, and integrating climate and health policies to achieve health equity is widely recognized. While there is a growing global momentum for collaborative health and climate initiatives, more effort is needed to incorporate health equity into national climate policies. Achieving this necessitates identifying both barriers and facilitators of integrated policymaking. This study examines the barriers and facilitators to integrating health equity into climate change-related policies at Nepal's federal level.

METHODS: We interviewed 14 key stakeholders from three major federal ministries, a high-level government entity, and a government partner institution in Nepal, all with diverse roles and responsibilities. To facilitate discussions, we developed an interview guide informed by two policy analysis frameworks: Health Equity Policy Process Analysis Framework and Schlossberg's Framework of Environmental Justice. Using both inductive and deductive approaches, we identified five key facilitators and four major barriers to integrating health equity in climate change-related policies in Nepal. We present these barriers in relation to WHO's climate-resilient health systems framework.

RESULTS: A wide array of facilitators was identified, broadly categorized as a) acknowledgement of the need to integrate health equity in climate change policies, b) political leadership, c) global influences, d) established mechanisms and structures in place for collaboration and e) the federal structure. Barriers identified were largely systemic and encompassed a) knowledge gaps, b) ownership and accountability, c) resource constraints: human resources and budget and d) data limitations. Among these, the issue of ownership and accountability emerged as an overarching theme, cutting across all barriers. Similarly, financing and knowledge gaps were identified as significant obstacles to progress.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for a more structured approach, with clearly delineated responsibilities to ensure all relevant sectors contribute to the goal of health equity in climate action. Developing well-defined guidelines outlining the roles and responsibilities of different sectors involved in climate action is crucial for fostering ownership and ensuring that health equity is effectively integrated into climate change policies, as well as aiding in resource allocation. We recommend future research to explore the potential role of policy champions within ministries in advocating for and advancing health equity within climate change-related policies.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Zhong Y (2025)

Empower communities to fight climate change at grassroots level.

Nature, 641(8063):594.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Ryan CM, AC Staver (2025)

'Loss and damage fund' for climate change needs broader remit.

Nature, 641(8063):594.

RevDate: 2025-05-16
CmpDate: 2025-05-14

Gruss I, Czarniecka-Wiera M, Świerszcz S, et al (2025)

Responses of grassland soil mesofauna to induced climate change.

Scientific reports, 15(1):16532.

Climate change can significantly affect the below and above-ground ecosystems. This study aimed to test the effects of induced climate change on the composition of soil mesofauna and vascular plant species in semi-natural grasslands. Open-top chambers (OTCs) were used to manipulate climatic conditions. The research was carried out over three years in two semi-natural grasslands in south-west Poland (Central Europe). Changes in soil mesofauna (Collembola and Acari) and vegetation characteristics under OTC treatment were evaluated and compared to untreated control sites. Treatment with OTC significantly increased the abundance of Oribatida mites (up to 42%) but decreased the abundance of Gamasida (by 21%), indicating contrasting responses of the Acari subgroups to warming. Collembola diversity was significantly reduced under OTC conditions, as reflected in the lower Margalef, Simpson, and Shannon-Wiener indices. Furthermore, the abundance of epigeic Collembola increased under OTC. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that plant traits explained 37.91% of the variation in mesofauna structure. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) further supported these findings, showing that climate exerted a strong negative effect on soil quality, which in turn had a pronounced positive influence on plant quality (total effect = 0.678). Plant quality significantly enhanced soil fauna abundance (total effect = 0.264), while the overall impact of climate on soil fauna was negative (- 0.231), primarily via indirect pathways. These findings suggest that climate change in grassland ecosystems can disrupt the ecological balance of soil fauna by modifying their responses to environmental variables. The SEM results emphasise the cascading nature of these effects, from climate to soil, vegetation, and ultimately soil fauna, highlighting the importance of indirect environmental pressures. Conserving plant diversity remains essential to buffer against climate-driven disruptions and maintain ecosystem stability.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Berntsson SG, Reis J, Zjukovskaja C, et al (2025)

Climate change impacts the symptomology and healthcare of multiple sclerosis patients through fatigue and heat sensitivity - A systematic review.

Journal of the neurological sciences, 474:123526 pii:S0022-510X(25)00143-1 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Climate change, in terms of global warming and heat waves, might negatively impact people with neurological diseases. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which is characterized by heat sensitivity, may therefore have an increased vulnerability. Subsequently, we aimed to specifically investigate the state of knowledge on climate change and MS.

METHODS: We conducted a literature search in the Pub Med database during 2022-2024 using the search terms "multiple sclerosis" AND "climate ", "climate change", "global warming", "heat waves", and "seasonal variations". A total of 773 scientifical papers were retrieved and scrutinized according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Finally, 24 publications were manually selected based on their relevance to the intended topic, covering climate change related heat sensitivity in MS patients, associated healthcare burden, and treatment strategies.

RESULTS: Only few publications focused on climate change and its effect on MS. The search yielded 24 articles on effects of climate/environmental heat and seasonal variations on MS. There was both evidence of worsened clinical symptoms as well as negative studies. However, the majority of selected papers, 16/24 (67 %) revealed an impact on MS symptoms/hospitalization from environmental heat.

CONCLUSIONS: So far there has been limited interest in the vulnerability of MS patients to climate change. The future perspective of increased temperature and heat waves should be highlighted so that authorities prepare health systems to apply to this new, but logical and intuitive, scientific knowledge. As heat sensitivity also seems to affect neurological disorders beyond MS, further research is needed to develop general care strategies in the future.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Liu X, Hao M, Zhou Y, et al (2025)

Projections of heat-related mortality in Chinese cities: The roles of climate change, urbanization, socioeconomic adaptation, and landscape level strategies.

Environmental health perspectives [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Physiological heat strain induced by extreme temperature in cities has led to significant heat-related deaths. Although socioeconomic adaptation is suggested to mitigate this issue, its effectiveness is limited. Conversely, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation on the effectiveness of landscape level strategies for mitigating heat-related deaths.

OBJECTIVES: We developed a comprehensive modeling framework to estimate the impacts of environmental stresses and mitigating strategies on heat-related deaths in China's cities from 2016 to 2055.

METHODS: The framework assesses future heat-related deaths through five experiments considering the influences of climate change, urbanization, socioeconomic adaptation, and landscape level strategies. We used extrapolated region-specific exposure-response functions (ERF) and recent advancement of geo-statistics for public health to generate urban patch level ERF curves. We used these curves, temperature and population data to generate future heat-related deaths with 1 km resolution and conducted 5,000 Monte Carlo simulations for uncertainty analysis.

RESULTS: Our analyses estimated that heat-related mortality will increase from 136.5±16.5 deaths per million in 2016 to 175.7±27.5 deaths per million in 2055 under SSP2-RCP4.5 (shared socioeconomic pathways-representative concentration pathways) scenario and from 140.0±21.4 deaths per million to 230.2±38.7 deaths per million under SSP5-RCP8.5 scenario, despite socioeconomic adaptation and landscape level strategies. Socioeconomic adaptation (reducing deaths by 18.4-64.1 per million) and landscape level strategies (reducing deaths by 45.6-51.3 per million) significantly mitigate heat-related deaths with varying effectiveness across different income levels. Specifically, in high-income cities with dense populations, landscape level strategies are 2.2-4.3 times more effective than socioeconomic adaptation. Within these cities, implementing the same landscape level strategies in the high-density urban centers lead to an additional reduction up to 4.9-6.8 death•km[-2] compared to surrounding areas.

DISCUSSION: Our framework helps to systematically understand the effectiveness of landscape level strategies in reducing heat-related mortality. Future sustainable city management should prioritize landscape level strategies along with socioeconomic adaptation to support healthy and comfortable communities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15010.

RevDate: 2025-05-13
CmpDate: 2025-05-13

Sinclair AH, Cosme D, Lydic K, et al (2025)

Behavioral interventions motivate action to address climate change.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 122(20):e2426768122.

Mitigating climate change requires urgent action at individual, collective, and institutional levels. However, individuals may fail to act because they perceive climate change as a threat that is distant or not personally relevant, or believe their actions are not impactful. To address these psychological barriers, we conducted a large-scale "intervention tournament." In a sample of 7,624 participants, we systematically tested 17 interventions that targeted psychological mechanisms described by three key themes: Relevance, Future Thinking, and Response Efficacy. Interventions that emphasized social relevance were the most effective for motivating people to share news articles and petitions about climate change. Interventions that targeted future thinking were the most effective for broadly motivating individual actions (e.g., driving less, eating vegetarian meals) and collective actions (e.g., donating, volunteering) to address climate change. Interventions that emphasized the environmental impact of these actions reliably increased the perceived impact of pro-environmental actions, but did not consistently motivate action. Notably, interventions that targeted two or more mechanisms-such as imagining a future scenario that involved oneself or close others-were most effective. Importantly, our leading interventions were substantially more effective than prevalent existing strategies (e.g., carbon footprint information). Our findings are relevant to theories of behavior change, motivation, and information sharing, with potential applications across domains. Insights from our tournament could be applied to develop scalable online interventions and mass communication campaigns to address climate change.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Richards CA, Brumley C, Graves JM, et al (2025)

Mapping Research Priorities for Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: A One Health Perspective.

Workplace health & safety [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: The climate emergency poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, the health and economic prospects of agricultural workers, and animal welfare. This requires development and implementation of adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact in the long-term. The purpose of this study was to identify and map research priorities for climate change adaptation in agriculture, focusing on protecting the health of agricultural workers and livestock animals.

METHODS: Based on the One Health framework, we utilized a participatory, mixed-method approach called group concept mapping. In 2023, 20 faculty members from various disciplines at a land-grant university were recruited through email and purposive sampling, based on group concept mapping methodology. Fifteen faculty members brainstormed ways to reduce health risks for agricultural workers and livestock in the Pacific Northwest amid climate change. Forty ideas were sorted and rated for importance and feasibility by 11 and 10 faculty, respectively.

FINDINGS: Multidimensional scaling yielded five clusters: wildfire smoke impacts, basic science, forecasting extreme weather, tradeoffs, and occupational health and labor. Key research areas include studying wildfire smoke's effects on agricultural products, animals, and workers, and identifying adaptive strategies for climate change's impact on humans and livestock. Overall, 25% included all three pillars of the One Health framework.

CONCLUSIONS: Most research directions were focused on risk management, with limited emphasis on the One Health framework.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Transdisciplinary collaboration is needed to apply a One Health approach in climate adaptation efforts for agriculture and can be enhanced through transdisciplinary education and training opportunities.

RevDate: 2025-05-14
CmpDate: 2025-05-13

Al Khatib A, Alsaleh B, Almari M, et al (2025)

Mitigating climate change impacts on health: a comparative analysis of strategies in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

Frontiers in public health, 13:1551559.

INTRODUCTION: Human activities are now adding rapidly more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere causing global warming which is one aspect of climate change, the greatest threat to public health. Therefore, this study aims to compare the health impacts of climate change on Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, and assessing their adaptation strategies in addressing climate change challenges.

METHODOLOGY: This study is a descriptive Comparative Analysis, this was performed by analyzing the available data on climate-related health outcomes: food insecurity, emergence of infectious disease and car accidents and by comparing trends and percentages between the two countries.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Saudi Arabia and Lebanon has markable high CO2 emission, which negatively affect the health of people such as Food insecurity (in KSA: The estimated loss over the periods in all the crops ranges from 7 to 25%, in Lebanon: There is a decreased the growth of coveted crops, and increased the growth of weeds and pests), Road traffic accidents (approximately 1.3 million people die as a result of road traffic accidents and 20-50 million people suffer from other injuries.), and Emergence of infectious diseases (in KSA: an increase in 1°C of temperature caused a significant increase (15-25%) in malaria incidence, and increase in risk of food- borne diseases, in Lebanon: There is a vulnerability to the rise in food-borne and vector-borne diseases.). Forecasting the future for both countries reveal to a definite climate change occurring. Further actions could be implemented to overcome the negative health outcomes according to each country. Agriculture and Food Security, Use of renewable energy, and Awareness Campaigns on climate change and health are measures that could be implemented to face the outcomes of climate change. Interestingly, there are some organizations funding initiatives and activities in raising awareness of climate change.

CONCLUSION: Numerous sectors are impacted by climate change, which is a serious issue that requires immediate action. It has a substantial influence on many different sectors and leads to food instability, agricultural issues, an increase in infectious disease transmission, and a rise in traffic accidents. These elements require particular care, and appropriate action should be done to eliminate them.

RevDate: 2025-05-15

Kaiho K (2025)

Mechanisms of global climate change during the five major mass extinctions.

Scientific reports, 15(1):16498.

Since the emergence of diverse animal phyla around 500 million years ago, five major mass extinction events have occurred, each coinciding with abnormal climate changes. We analyzed sedimentary organic molecules from the first and least understood extinction event at the end of the Ordovician period. We divided all five major extinctions into two phases each, totaling ten events, and examined the relationship between climate shifts and the "coronene index"-an indicator of heating temperatures in sedimentary rocks caused by volcanic activity or meteorite impacts. As a result, we found that four of the five extinctions began with global cooling and ended with warming, while one started with an unknown anomaly and also ended with warming. During the initial extinction phases, two events showed low-temperature heating, two high-temperature, and one moderate-temperature. All subsequent warming phases showed moderate-temperature heating. These findings suggest that large-scale volcanic eruptions and meteorite impacts heated sulfides, sulfates, and hydrocarbons at varying temperatures, releasing SO2 or soot into the stratosphere, blocking sunlight, and triggering global cooling and extinction. This was followed by moderate heating of hydrocarbons and carbonates, increasing CO2 emissions and driving long-term global warming, leading to secondary extinction events.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Wang ST, Li L, Yang Q, et al (2025)

Biomineralization mechanisms in the estuarine oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis): Unveiling the adaptive potential of mollusks in response to rapid climate change.

Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) pii:S0269-7491(25)00784-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Rapid climate change is often considered detrimental to biomineralization in mollusks; however, accumulating contradictory evidence necessitates reevaluation of the concept. Estuaries, characterized by fluctuating pH levels and limited calcifying substrate availability, are generally considered unfavorable for biomineralization. Understanding how biomineralization evolves in estuarine environments is essential for assessing adaptive potential and identifying mechanisms that could support molluscan adaptation to future environmental change. Phenotypic analyses, multi-omics approaches, and functional assays were employed within a common garden design to investigate the mechanisms underlying the estuarine oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) adaptation to estuarine environments, using Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), which inhabit non-estuarine areas, as a control. Compared with C. gigas, C. ariakensis exhibited superior biomineralization capacity, evidenced by heavier shells with increased density, enhanced resistance to dissolution, and greater toughness. Ion homeostasis and high expression of classical-pathway mantle secretomes were identified as compensatory mechanisms for the biomineralization adaptation of C. ariakensis. The novel C. ariakensis C-type lectin, a species-specific classical-pathway shell matrix secreted protein (SMSP), demonstrated a high capacity to accelerate the CaCO3 precipitation rate of calcite particles, thereby underscoring the essential roles of species-specific SMSPs in estuarine adaptations. This study provides novel insights into the adaptive potential of biomineralization in mollusks under rapid climate change. Analyzing biomineralization in estuarine organisms is critical for anticipating the emergent impacts of climate change.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Llobregat B, Cervini C, González-Candelas L, et al (2025)

Will climate change affect growth and ochratoxin A production of putative biocontrol knockout strains of Aspergillus carbonarius?.

International journal of food microbiology, 439:111250 pii:S0168-1605(25)00195-3 [Epub ahead of print].

The research explored the effects of abiotic factors associated with climate change (CC) on the growth and metabolite production of wild-type Aspergillus carbonarius ITEM 5010 and three knockout mutants: one knockout in the first gene of the ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis pathway (ΔotaA) and two in the veA and laeA genes (the latter knockout generated in this work) encoding VELVET complex proteins, which regulate metabolism. Variables examined were temperature (30 °C vs 37 °C), water activity (0.98 vs 0.90), and CO2 levels (400 ppm vs 1000 ppm). Growth, OTA production, and other metabolites were evaluated on grape-based medium. The results showed that abiotic factors significantly influenced fungal growth and mycotoxin production, with aw being the most critical parameter. At aw 0.90, no growth was observed. A temperature of 37 °C combined with 1000 ppm CO2 resulted in higher OTA production, indicating a greater health risk in predicted CC scenarios. Mutants of global regulatory factors showed altered metabolite production, with elevated OTA levels at 37 °C. The ΔotaA knockout mutant consistently showed no OTA production, suggesting its viability as a biocontrol agent under CC conditions. However, while OTA increased, other secondary metabolites, such as pyranonigrin A and kojic acid, decreased with rising temperatures in all strains. The research highlights the influence of abiotic factors related to CC on A. carbonarius growth and metabolite production, underlining the threat of increased mycotoxin production. This reinforces the need for resilient biocontrol strategies. The ΔotaA mutant has been identified as a potential biocontrol agent, demonstrating resistance to future environmental stresses associated with CC.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Zhang L, Yang C, Wang P, et al (2025)

Assessing the potential global distribution of Monochamus sutor (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) under the influence of climate change and human activities based on Maximum Entropy model.

Journal of economic entomology pii:8128858 [Epub ahead of print].

Monochamus sutor, an important phytophagous pest, is a known vector insect of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus in addition to feeding directly on trees. Although B. mucronatus causes relatively minor damage in European and Asian forests, its threat to coniferous forests is similar to that of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Given that B. xylophilus evolved into a destructive pathogen after its introduction into Asia, B. mucronatus may also pose a potential threat to North American coniferous forests. Therefore, we assessed the potential global distributions areas of M. sutor and their relative dynamics under different climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) in the current (i. considering only bioclimatic factors; ii. including anthropogenic factors) and in the future (2050s and 2070s) using an optimized Maximum Entropy ecological niche model. The mean area under the curve value of the optimized model was greater than 0.86 and the true skill statistic value was greater than 0.79. Potentially suitable habitat for M. sutor is driven by a combination of temperature (Bio1 and Bio2), precipitation (Bio14, Bio15, and Bio18), and human activities. In the current period, suitable areas are concentrated in Europe, East Asia, and North America, and are smaller in the presence of anthropogenic disturbance than in the presence of bioclimatic factors alone. At the same time, under future climate scenarios, the potential range of M. sutor will always expand more than contract, with a projected increase of 1,329.02 to 1,798.23 × 104 km2 compared to the current time period, especially spread toward Canada and the United States of America in North America. The present study provides important insights into the potential risks of M. sutor, which is important to help guide decision-making in pest control as well as forest conservation.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Lorenzon A, Granata M, Verzelloni P, et al (2025)

Effect of Climate Change on West Nile Virus Transmission in Italy: A Systematic Review.

Public health reviews, 46:1607444.

OBJECTIVES: West Nile Virus (WNV) infection prevalence is increasing in recent years in Europe, particularly in Italy. Such increase has been related to climate and environmental factors. Our review aims to assess the relation between climate change-related factors and the spread of WNV in Italy.

METHODS: We conducted a literature search across four online databases until 22 January 2025, using as search terms WNV, its vectors, and climate change.

RESULTS: Out of 282 unique articles, we included 29 eligible papers published between 2011-2025, most of them assessing distribution of the main WNV vector (Culex pipiens) and epidemiology of the infection in relation to climate/environmental factors. We found a positive strong association of WNV transmission with temperature and agricultural land use. Associations with other environmental variables also emerged, but they were either weak or inconsistent.

CONCLUSION: Despite some inconsistencies in the results, likely due to heterogeneity in study methodologies and interactions of environmental variables, review findings indicate that some climate change-related factors favor WNV spread through its vectors in Italy, in line with exploratory observations obtained on the entire Europe.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023430636, identifier CRD42023430636.

RevDate: 2025-05-13

Gezer M, Yıldırım Y, M İlhan (2025)

Reliability generalization meta-analysis of the Climate Change Worry Scale.

Frontiers in psychology, 16:1590126.

Climate change worry is an increasingly critical issue in eco-psychology literature. A commonly used instrument for measuring this construct is the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS), developed by Stewart. This Likert-type scale assesses individuals' climate change worry through 10 items clustered under a single factor. It has been adapted for multiple cultures and utilized in numerous studies conducted across various countries. Nevertheless, no study has synthesized the reliability values obtained from individual studies for the scale. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to perform a reliability generalization for the CCWS. To this end, an exhaustive literature search was conducted from July 14 to November 17, 2024, in the EBSCO, ERIC, Taylor & Francis, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar, using the keyword "Climate Change Worry Scale." After scrutinizing the identified studies for duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the research focused on the 40 Cronbach's alpha coefficients acquired from 37 papers. The results of the analysis, which involved running the random effects model and the Bonnet transformation, indicated that the pooled Cronbach's alpha was 0.932 (95% CI = 0.919-0.942). The results of the moderator analysis revealed that the sample descriptors and study characteristics included in the meta-analysis did not significantly affect the reliability estimates. Accordingly, the CCWS was found to be an instrument that produces highly reliable measurements regardless of factors such as region, language, participants' age, and the total number of items answered during administration. Finally, the reliability induction rate was determined to be 29.41%. However, the high heterogeneity observed among the reliability estimates of the primary studies exposed the limitations of generalizing the reliability of CCWS scores across different populations and research conditions. This situation also emphasized the importance of providing detailed information about the scale's sample demographics and administration conditions when reporting reliability.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Hunter PR (2025)

Future disease burden due to the rise of emerging infectious disease secondary to climate change may be being under-estimated.

Virulence, 16(1):2501243.

RevDate: 2025-05-11

Antu UB, Roy TK, Kulsum TI, et al (2025)

Role of humic acid for climate change adaptation measures to boost up sustainable agriculture and soil health: A potential review.

International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(25)04595-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Humic acids (HAs) are complex organic compounds produced through the degradation of plant and animal residues, which are typically found in organic wastes, compost, peat, lignite, and leonardite. HAs, being natural bio-stimulants, play crucial roles in sustaining soil health, enhancing plant productivity, and developing sustainable agriculture. Their ability to enhance soil aggregation, aeration, water holding capacity, and root penetration that improves plant growth and stress tolerance. HAs are also found to enhance microbial activity, plant nutrient uptake, and soil structure. They are also capable of antagonizing the adverse effects induced by numerous stressors such as heavy metals toxicity, salinity, and drought. Additionally, by sequestering carbon in the soil environment and minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases, HAs help to alleviate climate change. This review critically examines the multifaceted applications of HAs in sustainable agriculture, where their prospects to reconcile conventional farming into a climate-resilient form of farming are emphasized. It accentuates the heterogeneity of HAs' structures, their action modes against soil-plant interaction, and their potential to transform current agronomy on the global scale. The study is novel in its articulation of the integrated vision of HAs efficacy in various agronomic ecosystems and in determining drivers and critical knowledge gaps which it grapples in the modern agriculture. Future research will attempt to assess HAs application trends and fully utilize their agronomic and environmental benefits within the context of precision agriculture.

RevDate: 2025-05-11

Qin Y, Fang S, Zhao Y, et al (2025)

Born with Silurian global warming: Defensive role of TRPV1 in caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) in flounder.

International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(25)04644-6 [Epub ahead of print].

The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS), unique to fish, emerged during the Silurian global warming period and appears to have an inevitable connection with "heat." Although TRPV1 is known to be a key molecule mediating high-temperature perception in fish, its role in CNSS remains unknown. Here, we found that TRPV1 located on Dahlgren cells in CNSS, is involved in sensing high-temperatures and helps flounder to respond correctly. Specifically, in the context of mild high-temperatures, Dahlgren cells expressing Urotensin I (UI) are the main active cell subpopulation. TRPV1 promotes the activation of the UI cell subpopulation by activating excitatory receptors, which in turn facilitates freezing behavior in flounder. When the accumulated temperature in the abdomen reaches avoidance high-temperatures, the firing activity of the UI cell subpopulation is inhibited, which is related to the TRPV1-mediated activation of NR3A. Accordingly, a subpopulation of Urotensin II (UII) cells was activated. Meanwhile, the expression of genes related to dopamine receptors and acetylcholine synthesis are significantly elevated, thereby mediating the avoidance behavior of flounder to escape from injury. Overall, these studies collectively elucidate the complex adaptive mechanisms employed by flounder in response to high-temperature fluctuations, with a special emphasis on the importance of CNSS temperature sensing.

RevDate: 2025-05-11

Zhang Y, Xu Y, X Li (2025)

Modeling the impacts of climate change on epifauna distribution in the southern Yellow Sea and East China Sea.

The Science of the total environment, 981:179624 pii:S0048-9697(25)01265-3 [Epub ahead of print].

To evaluate the potential impact of climate change on the distributions of eight epifaunal species in the southern Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, species distribution models were established using species data collected from bottom trawling surveys and marine environment data connected with the Sixth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. The modeling results revealed that temperature and depth were the most important environmental factors in shaping the distribution patterns of epifauna. The coastal waters of China between 32°N and 34°N are projected to become a key region where climate change will significantly influence the distribution of epifaunal species under future scenarios. Under future climate scenarios, the distributions of Alpheus digitalis, Alpheus japonicus, Amblychaeturichthys hexanema and Solenocera crassicornis are projected to expand northward, crossing the 32°N ecological barrier zone. Even if the targets of the Paris Agreement are achieved, the potential distributions of epifauna will undergo substantial changes. These findings indicated that the ecological barrier is a multi-dimensional environmental space defined by various marine environmental factors, and future climate change may further diminish its effect.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Muhling B, Snyder S, Hazen EL, et al (2025)

Climate change impacts to foraging seascapes for a highly migratory top predator.

Movement ecology, 13(1):33.

BACKGROUND: Climate change is impacting the distribution and movement of mobile marine organisms globally. Statistical species distribution models are commonly used to explain past patterns and anticipate future shifts. However, purely correlative models can fail under novel environmental conditions, or omit key mechanistic processes driving species habitat use.

METHODS: Here, we used a unique combination of laboratory measurements, field observations, and environmental predictors to investigate spatial variability in energetic seascapes for juvenile North Pacific albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga). This species undertakes some of the longest migrations of any finfish, but their susceptibility to climate-driven habitat changes is poorly understood. We first built a framework based on Generalized Additive Models to understand mechanisms of energy gain and loss in albacore, and how these are linked to ocean conditions. We then applied the framework to projections from an ensemble of earth system models to quantify changes in thermal and foraging habitats between historical (1971-2000) and future (2071-2100) time periods.

RESULTS: We show how albacore move seasonally between feeding grounds in the California Current System and the offshore North Pacific, foraging most successfully in spring and summer. The thermal corridors used for migration largely coincide with minimum metabolic costs of movement. Future warming may result in loss of favorable thermal habitat in the sub-tropics and a reduction in total habitat area, but allow increased access to productive and energetically favorable sub-arctic ecosystems. Importantly, while thermal considerations suggest a loss in habitat area, forage considerations suggest that these losses may be offset by more energetically favorable conditions in the habitat that remains. In addition, the energetic favorability of coastal foraging areas may increase in future, with decreasing suitability of offshore foraging grounds. Our results clearly show the importance of moving beyond temperature when considering climate change impacts on marine species and their movement ecology.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering energetic seascapes adds essential mechanistic underpinning to projections of habitat gain and loss, particularly for highly migratory animals. Overall, improved understanding of mechanisms driving migration behavior, physiological constraints, and behavioral plasticity is required to better anticipate how climate change will impact pelagic marine ecosystems.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Taylor-Burns R, Reguero BG, Barnard PL, et al (2025)

Nature-based solutions extend the lifespan of a regional levee system under climate change.

Scientific reports, 15(1):16218.

Nature-based solutions are receiving increasing attention as a cost-effective climate adaptation strategy. Horizontal levees are nature-based adaptation solutions that include a sloping wetland habitat buffer fronting a levee. They can offer a hybrid solution to reinforce traditional levees in estuarine areas-plants on the horizontal levee can provide wave attenuation benefits as well as habitat benefits, but how the design of horizontal levees influences risk of levee failure remains unquantified. We use a hydrodynamic model, XBeach non-hydrostatic (XB-NH), to assess the stability and sustainability of existing levees and determine how hybrid nature-based climate adaptation measures can reduce the risk of overtopping on levees in San Francisco Bay. We compare overtopping rates in the existing levee system and in a variety of nature-based adaptation scenarios using a range of widths and slopes of horizontal levees to assess how horizontal levees perform in reducing risk of flooding, both with present day conditions and sea level rise. We show that climate change will challenge existing levee flood defenses in San Francisco Bay and increase the risk of overtopping, and that the nature-based solution of horizontal levees can meaningfully reduce risk of overtopping while simultaneously supporting marsh habitat. Flood risk reduction and habitat provision are both maximized with more gradually sloping and wider horizontal levee designs. Results show that the risk of overtopping can be reduced by up to 30% with horizontal levees. This analysis provides insight into horizontal levee design considerations and a methodological approach to adapt levees to prepare for climate change in urban wave-exposed estuaries. We show that horizontal levees can support preparation for the projected impacts of sea level rise (SLR) while simultaneously providing new intertidal wetland habitat.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Elabd E, Hamouda HM, Ali MAM, et al (2025)

Climate change prediction in Saudi Arabia using a CNN GRU LSTM hybrid deep learning model in al Qassim region.

Scientific reports, 15(1):16275.

Climate change, which causes long-term temperature and weather changes, threatens natural ecosystems and cities. It has worldwide economic consequences. Climate change trends up to 2050 are predicted using the hybrid model that consists of Convolutional Neural Network-Gated Recurrent Unit-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-GRU-LSTM), a unique deep learning architecture. With a focus on Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, the model assesses temperature, air temperature dew point, visibility distance, and atmospheric sea-level pressure. We used Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique for Regression with Gaussian Noise (SMOGN) to reduce dataset imbalance. The CNN-GRU-LSTM model was compared to 5 classic regression models: DTR, RFR, ETR, BRR, and K-Nearest Neighbors. Five main measures were used to evaluate model performance: MSE, MAE, MedAE, RMSE, and R[2]. After Min-Max normalization, the dataset was split into training (70%), validation (15%), and testing (15%) sets. The paper shows that the CNN-GRU-LSTM model beats standard regression methods in all four climatic scenarios, with R[2] values of 99.62%, 99.15%, 99.71%, and 99.60%. Deep learning predicts climate change well and can guide environmental policy and urban development decisions.

RevDate: 2025-05-09

Moghaddam HK, Rahimzadeh Kivi Z, Abtahizadeh E, et al (2025)

Sustainable water allocation under climate change: Deep learning approaches to predict drinking water shortages.

Journal of environmental management, 385:125600 pii:S0301-4797(25)01576-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Addressing sustainable urban water supply has become one of the most critical challenges for modern megacities, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where rapid urbanization and climate change converge to exacerbate resource scarcity. Tehran, a metropolis under mounting water stress, exemplifies this global crisis. With population pressures, migration, poor urban planning, and inadequate environmental management intensifying the demand for water, reliance on groundwater surged to over 51 % of the city's total supply by 2021. This unsustainable dependence is compounded by severe aquifer depletion, now declining at an alarming rate of 32 cm annually. This study adopts advanced machine learning approaches to provide a forward-looking, integrative approach to understanding and mitigating the impacts of urban centralization, land-use mismanagement, and climate variability on Tehran's water resources. By leveraging hybrid simulation models, combining Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models with three optimization techniques (i.e. Fire Hawk Optimizer (FHO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), and Horse Optimization Algorithm (HOA)) this research offers a powerful tool for managing water allocation across five critical dam reservoirs and the Tehran aquifer. Our analysis reveals that the RNN-FHO model demonstrates superior performance in predicting dam inflows, while the RNN-WOA model excels in forecasting groundwater table fluctuations, providing a vital roadmap for water resource planners. We developed a robust conceptual model to address anticipated drinking water shortages by supplementing surface water with groundwater resources. To simulate future conditions, we employed three state-of-the-art climate models (MRI-ESM2, CNRM-CM6-1, and BCC-CSM2) across three emission pathways (SSP1.26, SSP2.45, and SSP5.85) for the period 2021-2050. The projections indicate a troubling trend: dam inflows could decline by 8% in the most optimistic scenario and by 11 % in the worst case. Furthermore, by 2030, water demand in Tehran is expected to exceed 2.2 BCM, intensifying pressure on groundwater resources and necessitating large-scale water transfers. Excessive groundwater extraction, ranging from 100 to 300 MCM, would result in drastic aquifer drawdowns of 46-171 cm, threatening both hydrological stability and environmental health. This study highlights the critical need for a paradigm shift in water management practices. A strategic approach, encompassing reductions in per capita water consumption, extensive recycling, improved use of treated effluent in urban landscapes, and optimized water allocation, is essential to avert a looming water crisis. The methodologies and insights presented in this study offer transformative solutions for water-stressed urban environments worldwide.

RevDate: 2025-05-11
CmpDate: 2025-05-10

Drake JM, Wares JP, Byers JE, et al (2025)

Two Hypotheses About Climate Change and Species Distributions.

Ecology letters, 28(5):e70134.

Species' distributions are changing around the planet as a result of global climate change. Most research has focused on shifts in mean climate conditions, leaving the effects of increased environmental variability comparatively underexplored. This paper proposes two new macroecological hypotheses-the variability damping hypothesis and the variability adaptation hypothesis-to understand how ecological dynamics and evolutionary history could influence biogeographic patterns being forced by contemporary large-scale climate change across all major ecosystems. The variability damping hypothesis predicts that distributions of species living in deep water environments will be least affected by increasing climate-driven temperature variability compared with species in nearshore, intertidal and terrestrial environments. The variability adaptation hypothesis predicts the opposite. Where available, we discuss how the existing evidence aligns with these hypotheses and propose ways in which they may be empirically tested.

RevDate: 2025-05-11
CmpDate: 2025-05-10

Rad SPH, Duque TS, Flory SL, et al (2025)

Predicting the spread of invasive Imperata cylindrica under climate change: A global risk assessment and future distribution scenarios.

PloS one, 20(5):e0321027.

Invasive plant species, such as Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass), threaten native ecosystems, natural resources, and lands worldwide. With climate change, the risk of invasions may increase as more favorable conditions enable non-native species to spread into new areas. This study employs the CLIMEX model to predict the potential distribution of I. cylindrica under current and future climate scenarios, under the SRES A2 scenario. A comprehensive dataset comprising 6,414 occurrence records was used to simulate the species' ecological niche based on key climatic parameters, including temperature and soil moisture. Our results indicate that more than 16% of the global land surface is currently highly suitable for I. cylindrica (Ecoclimatic Index ≥ 30), with significant risk areas identified in Central America, Africa, and Australia. Future projections under the A2 scenario suggest an expansion of suitable habitats by 2050, 2080, and 2100, particularly in regions such as southern Argentina and parts of North America, while areas in Africa may experience a decrease in suitability due to rising temperatures. Sensitivity analysis revealed that temperature-related parameters (DV0, DV1, DV2, and DV3) are the most influential in determining the species' distribution, highlighting the critical role of climate in driving the invasive potential of I. cylindrica. These findings provide valuable insights into the future risks associated with I. cylindrica invasions.

RevDate: 2025-05-09

Sampaio F, Marchioro CA, LA Foerster (2025)

Modeling parasitoid development: climate change impacts on Telenomus remus (Nixon) and Trichogramma foersteri (Takahashi) in southern Brazil.

Pest management science [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: The egg parasitoids Telenomus remus (Nixon) and Trichogramma foersteri (Takahashi) were recently collected in southern Brazil, expanding their potential use in biological control. Understanding how these species respond to temperature is essential to the effective implementation of biological control programs, especially in the context of global warming. In this study, phenological models were employed to assess the effects of temperature and climate change on their development.

RESULTS: Temperature had a significant impact on the development of Te. remus, with development times ranging from 52.7 days at 15 °C to 8.1 days at 35 °C. Parasitism peaked at 35 °C (124.15 eggs) and lowest at 15 °C (38.5 eggs). Emergence rates declined under extreme temperatures, especially at 15 °C. The Brière-2 and Shi models were identified as the most appropriate for Te. remus and T. foersteri, respectively. Under the SSP2-4.5/2080 scenario, an increase in the number of generations was projected. In contrast, in the SSP5-8.5 scenario, higher temperatures may exceed the thermal thresholds of these species, potentially reducing voltinism in warmer regions while promoting it in colder areas.

CONCLUSION: Telenomus remus and T. foersteri exhibit broad thermal tolerance; however, extreme temperatures, including those predicted under climate change scenarios, can restrict their development. This study offers valuable insights for laboratory rearing programs, mass production, and field release programs while enhancing the understanding of thermal interactions in Hymenopteran parasitoids. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

RevDate: 2025-05-14
CmpDate: 2025-05-14

Jiang R, Liu W, SC Pennings (2025)

Global warming disrupts the relative allocation between sexual and clonal reproduction in a common salt marsh plant.

Ecology, 106(5):e70101.

Adjusting relative allocation between sexual and clonal reproduction is part of how plants respond to a variable environment, but we know little about how the allocation strategies of plant populations vary over time as abiotic conditions change. We studied correlations between sexual and clonal reproduction using 23 years of data on the clonal salt marsh plant Spartina alterniflora at eight sites in coastal Georgia, USA. The relationship between sexual reproduction and clonal reproduction varied over time. Within years, sexual reproduction was negatively related to clonal reproduction. These relationships were stronger in cooler years and weaker in warmer years, with slopes ranging from -0.202 in cool years to -0.013 in warm years. The trade-offs were also affected by river discharge, with stronger (more negative) slopes as river discharge increased. In a random forest model, temperature had the greatest influence (58%) on the relationships compared to other global change variables (precipitation, river discharge, sea level, and tide range). Overall, our study demonstrated that climate warming gradually disrupts the negative correlation in allocation between reproductive modes in a common salt marsh plant, shifting the affected populations toward a near-total reliance on clonal reproduction, potentially limiting their spread and the generation of new genotypes.

RevDate: 2025-05-11

Chen Y, Gu Y, Wang WJ, et al (2025)

Climate Change and Topography Drive the Expansion of Betula ermanii in the Alpine Treeline Ecotone of the Changbai Mountain.

Ecology and evolution, 15(5):e71368.

Alpine treelines ecotones are critical ecological transition zones and are highly sensitive to global warming. However, the impact of climate on the distribution of treeline trees is not yet fully understood as this distribution may also be affected by other factors. Here, we used high-resolution satellite images with climatic and topographic variables to study changes in treeline tree distribution in the alpine treeline ecotone of the Changbai Mountain for the years 2002, 2010, 2017, and 2021. This study employed the Geodetector method to analyze how interactions between climatic and topographic factors influence the expansion of Betula ermanii on different aspect slopes. Over the past 20 years, B. ermanii, the only tree species in the Changbai Mountain tundra zone, had its highest expansion rate from 2017 to 2021 across all the years studied, approaching 2.38% per year. In 2021, B. ermanii reached its uppermost elevations of 2224 m on the western aspects and 2223 m on the northern aspects, which are the predominant aspects it occupies. We also observed a notable increase in the distribution of B. ermanii on steeper slopes (> 15°) between 2002 and 2021. Moreover, we found that interactions between climate and topographic factors played a more significant role in B. ermanii's expansion than any single dominant factor. Our results suggest that the interaction between topographic wetness index and the coldest month precipitation (Pre1), contributing 91% of the observed variability, primarily drove the expansion on the southern aspect by maintaining soil moisture, providing snowpack thermal insulation which enhanced soil temperatures, decomposition, and nutrient release in harsh conditions. On the northern aspect, the interaction between elevation and mean temperature of the warmest month explained 80% of the expansion. Meanwhile, the interaction between Pre1 and mean temperature of the growing season explained 73% of the expansion on the western aspect. This study revealed that dominant factors driving treeline upward movement vary across different mountain aspects. Climate and topography play significant roles in determining tree distribution in the alpine treeline ecotone. This knowledge helps better understand and forecast treeline dynamics in response to global climate change.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Muralidharan A, Broekhuijsen M, Lisondra L, et al (2025)

The ripple effect: impacts of climate change on menstrual health and paths to resilience.

Frontiers in global women's health, 6:1569046.

Girls and women face greater threats and severe ramifications from climate change, with studies consistently finding that women experience more health risks from climate change than men do. Climate change endangers girls and women's sexual and reproductive health and rights, including their menstrual health and hygiene practices. However, menstrual health and hygiene is rarely discussed in the context of climate change. We scoped the existing evidence to describe the interlinkages between climate change and menstrual health and hygiene, and outline services that anticipate, respond to, cope with, recover from, adapt to or transform in response to climate related events, trends and disturbances. Specifically, we describe how climate change disrupts access to essential menstrual health and hygiene information, products and services, impacts menstrual disorders and the menstrual cycle, and intensifies existing inequalities. Recommendations for improvement include climate resilient menstrual health and hygiene services encompassing access to menstrual products and materials, impartment of knowledge and skills, access to climate resilient facilities and services, social support, and policy actions.

RevDate: 2025-05-09
CmpDate: 2025-05-09

Haugestad CAP, E Carlquist (2025)

'You can't live in fear all the time': Affective dilemmas in Youth's discussions on climate change in Norway.

The British journal of social psychology, 64(3):e12888.

Emotional responses to anthropogenic climate change have attracted significant attention. People negotiate emotions through culturally available frameworks. This study, based on 18 focus group discussions, explores in detail three instances of how Norwegian youth engage affectively with climate change. Utilising affect and discourse theory, we conceptualise affective dilemmas as conflicts arising from contradictory expectations made available through discourse. These dilemmas are negotiated through affective-discursive practices. Through a discourse-oriented analysis, we illustrate how ecological distress is interpreted, enacted, and resisted. We identified three key affective-discursive dilemmas: (a) climate anxiety as voluntary versus involuntary, (b) fear as motivation versus a barrier for climate action, and (c) responsibility for climate actions versus self-care. Participants engaged in practices such as (a) purposeful engagement with climate anxiety, (b) detachment from ecological distress, and (c) self-care and staying positive. The study contributes to social psychology by applying affective-discursive theory to understand how youth make sense of and use eco-emotion categories in dialogue. It empirically shows how discussions on ecological issues reflect cultural expectations of self-care and positivity and individualised emotional management. The analysis highlights how socio-cultural imperatives shape youths' emotional responses, which may sideline collective climate action and favour psychological solutions to ecological crises.

RevDate: 2025-05-11
CmpDate: 2025-05-09

Atashgahi Z, Erfanian MB, Moazzeni H, et al (2025)

Endemic cushions of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province show differential responses to future climate change.

Scientific reports, 15(1):16046.

Climate change negatively affects mountainous plants and leads to their range contraction or extinction. Cushion plants are the essential components of mountainous ecosystems. Although cushions represent the dominant vegetation form of the mountains of the Irano-Anatolian Biodiversity Hotspot, the impacts of climate change on these plants have been merely studied. The present study investigates the effects of climate change on the distribution of endemic cushion species in the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh (KK) floristic province, the eastern-most part of the Irano-Anatolian Biodiversity Hotspot. We predicted the current and future range of 19 cushions in 2040 and 2100, using 19 bioclimatic layers along with two different SSPs and an ensemble of 12 modeling algorithms. These species belong to Acantholimon, Acanthophyllum, Astragalus, Jurinea, and Thymus genera. Our findings revealed that approximately all studied species will face range contraction. On the other hand, Jurinea antunowi, Acantholimon restiaceum, and Acanthophyllum speciosum will show negligible responses to climate change effects. Moreover, all analyzed species would shift upward in their altitudinal distribution range. The predicted range size contraction of the surveyed genera will vary between 36 to 91 percent, where Acanthophyllum and Thymus will show the least and the most contraction, respectively. Based on our findings, we have provided recommendations for conservation of vulnerable species and sustainable mountainous habitats restorations.

RevDate: 2025-05-08

Scheen A (2025)

Obesity and global warming: a two-way relationship?.

Annales d'endocrinologie pii:S0003-4266(25)00102-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Our modern society has to face several health problems, among which climate change characterized by global warming and increased pollution and obesity epidemic and associated morbidities are prominent ones. Interestingly, several epidemiological studies argue for a closed connection between these two health concerns, in fact pointing out a bidirectional relationship. Global warming and its associated exposure to pollutants could contribute to weight gain through different mechanisms, including some endocrine disorders linked to adipocyte dysfunction (adiposopathy) and reduced thermogenesis, as well as a reluctance to physical activity in a hot ambient temperature. Conversely, obesity epidemic may play a role in global warming by an increased consumption of energetic ultra-processed foods and an enhanced energy waste for transportation, both leading to increased greenhouse gas emission. Thus, there is an urgent need for greater action to slow the process of global warming also to prevent harmful effects on health linked to obesity epidemic.

RevDate: 2025-05-08

Wang C, J Yang (2025)

US policies undermine climate change efforts.

Science (New York, N.Y.), 388(6747):596-597.

RevDate: 2025-05-08
CmpDate: 2025-05-08

Norman G (2025)

Conversation in My Parlor About Climate Change and the Call to Thoughtful Service by Lawyers with Disabilities.

Journal of law and health, 38(3):329-382.

Pope John Paul II penned, "So much of our world seems to be in fragments, in disjointed pieces." Experts admonish that an irreparable threshold of 1.5°C for global temperatures is not a theoretical remonstrance but an imminent imperative. Is this true? This article will explore if climate change exists. I will thoughtfully respond to this question in the affirmative, exploring center-based solutions. Specifically, this article will urge that these great United States require a new generation of leaders who can embody the energy of a Brother President Theodore Roosevelt, who possesses the eloquence of President John Kennedy, and who, like President Reagan, can maintain and show a bullish "love" of the country. The law is one of many tools and this new generation of leaders, who will use those tools, must better reflect the diversity of modern America. Specifically, I urge inclusion by lawyers with disabilities in leading center-based solutions to climate change.

RevDate: 2025-05-08

Martins-Oliveira AT, Eisenlohr PV, Canale GR, et al (2025)

Saguinus martinsi: predicted loss of habitat suitability following global warming and insights for the conservation of the species.

Primates; journal of primatology [Epub ahead of print].

Global climate change is directly influenced by human actions due to land use and occupation. In this way, factors related to environments conditions, concomitant with anthropogenic impacts, determine the suitability of environments for species. We analyze the present-day and future suitability of environments for Saguinus martinsi, a primate species endemic to the Brazilian Amazon region. We analyzed two different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, known as Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), one "optimistic" (SSP2-4.5) and the other "pessimistic" (SSP5-8.5), described by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. We created the models using climatic, edaphic, and topographic variables based on the Euclidean Distance algorithm. Our results indicate that S. martinsi may face severe threats in the near future as a consequence of climate change, given that no environmentally suitable areas were identified for the species in either of the future climate scenarios analyzed. We understand that it is necessary to expand searches for the presence and/or absence of the species in potentially environmentally suitable areas, in addition to consolidating measures to mitigate environmental impacts for the conditions found.

RevDate: 2025-05-10
CmpDate: 2025-05-08

Yao Y, Z Dai (2025)

Climate change news exposure, first and third-person effects, and eco-anxiety in the Chinese general population: a moderation model.

BMC psychology, 13(1):483.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationship between exposure to climate change news and eco-anxiety in the Chinese general population, exploring the moderating effects of first-person effect (FPE) and third-person effect (TPE).

METHODS: Utilizing a non-representative sample of 1483 Chinese adults, we conducted an online survey assessing media consumption across traditional and digital platforms, FPE, TPE, and eco-anxiety. The survey included structured items measuring the frequency and impact of climate change news exposure, alongside scales for assessing eco-anxiety and perceptual biases (FPE and TPE).

RESULTS: Preliminary analyses indicate a significant correlation between higher exposure to climate change news and increased levels of eco-anxiety. Moderation analysis revealed that both FPE and TPE significantly influenced the relationship between news exposure and eco-anxiety, with FPE strengthening and TPE weakening this association.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the way individuals perceive the impact of climate change news-on themselves versus others-moderates the emotional response to such news. Specifically, those who perceive a greater personal impact (FPE) experience higher eco-anxiety, whereas those who perceive a greater impact on others (TPE) report lower anxiety levels. This study highlights the need for nuanced media communication strategies that consider these perceptual biases to manage public emotional responses to climate change effectively.

RevDate: 2025-05-12

Biever C (2025)

How climate change will burden our children: data reveal a lifetime of extreme heat.

Nature, 641(8063):571-572.

RevDate: 2025-05-07
CmpDate: 2025-05-08

Namara WG, Rabba ZA, Fanta SS, et al (2025)

Watershed hydrological response in developing climate change resilience and adaptation strategies, case of Gilgal Gibe watershed, Ethiopia.

Environmental monitoring and assessment, 197(6):634.

Climate change is one of the most challenging and inevitable global environmental problems affecting mankind and its environment regardless of urban and rural areas. Its effect on watershed hydrology is challenging the sustainable water resources management and its availability across the globe. In order to develop a sustainable climate change adaptation strategy, understanding watershed hydrological response to the ever increasing climate change is highly important. Hence, the main objective of this study was investigating role of watershed hydrological response in developing climate resilience and adaptation strategy as a case study in Gilgal Gibe watershed,OmoGibe river basin, Ethiopia. To achieve the main objective of the study, three regional climate models (RCM) derived from one global climate model (GCM) under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were collected from CORDEX Africa. The observed weather data and stream flow data were collected from National Meteorological Agency (NMA) and Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE). The Climate data from CORDEX like maximum and minimum temperature, and precipitation were extracted using R-programming. These data were analyzed against the 1986-2016 baseline data and projected for near-future term (2020-2050) andmid-futureterm (2051-2080). The climate dataset trend analysis over the specified period was conducted using Mann-Kendall test, and the hydrological modeling was performed using the calibrated and validated HEC-HMS hydrological modeling tool. From the analysis, it was found that hydro-climate variability over the proposed time horizon was clearly observed from all RCM under both greenhouse gas emission scenarios. The stream flow revealed an oscillating trend over the course of the operation years under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Hence, this information is important for water resources manager, decision makers, practitioners and policy makers so as to enable them develop sustainable climate change resilience and adaptation strategies across the watershed.

RevDate: 2025-05-07

Anonymous (2025)

Time for adults to finally act like adults on climate change.

Nature, 641(8062):282.

RevDate: 2025-05-07

Dong X, Gong J, Zhang W, et al (2025)

Future climate change increase species vulnerability and present new opportunities for biodiversity conservation in China.

Journal of environmental management, 385:125652 pii:S0301-4797(25)01628-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Climate change is exerting severe pressure on terrestrial biodiversity. It is essential to clarify how vulnerabilities to climate change differ among taxonomic groups to mitigate biodiversity loss. Conservation planning should aim to minimize additional threats while maximizing the opportunities that climate change offers. In this study, we used species distribution models to simulate the current and future (2050s) suitable distributions of Chinese mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and plants. We analyzed the climate change vulnerability across these taxonomic groups and identified conservation priorities based on the vulnerable and opportunity areas that will result from climate change. By the 2050s, the losses of current habitat suitable for amphibians, mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants will reach 26.8 %, 16.8 %, 13.8 %, 11.9 %, and 10.0 %, respectively, indicating high vulnerability to climate change. The relative loss of suitable habitat is influenced by the threat status of species. Spatially, the areas of China with the highest vulnerability to climate change are mainly distributed in the north, northwest, and Qinghai-Tibet regions, whereas high-opportunity areas are mainly in the south. Areas with high opportunity and vulnerability will together account for 11.8 % of land area in China and represent conservation priorities for reducing species extinction. However, provinces with large priority areas will have lower human development and human footprint indexes, which will challenge the successful implementation of conservation efforts. Our results highlight the different responses of different Chinese taxonomic groups to climate change and will guide the selection of crucial areas for reducing species extinction risk.

RevDate: 2025-05-09

Liu B, Li L, Zhang Z, et al (2025)

Modeling the Potential Distribution and Future Dynamics of Important Vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus Under Climate Change Scenarios in China.

Insects, 16(4):.

In the context of global warming, there is an increasing risk of the emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). As one of the most important vectors, Culex tritaeniorhynchus can carry and transmit numerous human and animal infectious pathogens. To better understand the current distribution and possible future dynamics of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in China, an ecological niche modeling approach (MaxEnt) was adopted to model its current and future habitat suitability. The most comprehensive dataset (1100 occurrence records) in China to date was established for model training. Multiple global climate models (GCMs) and climate change scenarios were introduced into the model to counter the uncertainties of future climate change. Based on the model prediction, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus currently exhibits high habitat suitability in southern, central, and coastal regions of China. It is projected that its suitable niche will experience continuous expansion, and the core distribution is anticipated to shift northward in the future 21st century (by the 2050s, 2070s and 2090s). Several environmental variables that reflect temperature, precipitation, and land-use conditions were considered to have a significant influence on the distribution of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, among which annual mean temperature and urban land contribute the most to the model. Our study conducted a quantitative analysis of the shift and expansion of the future habitats of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, providing references for vector monitoring and the prevention and control of VBDs.

RevDate: 2025-05-09

Abbasi E (2025)

Climate Change and Vector-Borne Disease Transmission: The Role of Insect Behavioral and Physiological Adaptations.

Integrative organismal biology (Oxford, England), 7(1):obaf011.

Climate change is profoundly reshaping the behavior, physiology, and distribution of insect vectors, with significant implications for vector-borne disease transmission. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are driving behavioral adaptations such as altered host-seeking patterns, modified resting site preferences, and extended seasonal activity. Concurrently, vectors exhibit physiological plasticity, including enhanced thermal tolerance, desiccation resistance, and accelerated reproductive cycles, which contribute to increased survival and vector competence. This review synthesizes current research on climate-driven adaptations in major disease vectors, focusing on their epidemiological consequences and implications for public health interventions. A systematic literature review was conducted using major scientific databases to assess the impact of climate change on insect vector adaptation. Studies examining temperature-induced behavioral shifts, physiological modifications, and changes in vector competence were analyzed to identify emerging trends and knowledge gaps. Findings indicate that climate-driven vector adaptations are increasing the efficiency of disease transmission, enabling the geographic expansion of vector populations and prolonging transmission seasons. These changes challenge existing vector control strategies, necessitating innovative approaches such as genetic engineering, microbiome-based interventions, and climate-informed surveillance systems. Given the accelerating impact of climate change, there is an urgent need for adaptive, evidence-based control strategies to mitigate the growing threat of vector-borne diseases and enhance global health resilience.

RevDate: 2025-05-09

Wanner SP, Bitencourt DP, Teixeira-Coelho F, et al (2025)

Consequences of climate change on human health and performance and mitigation strategies in Brazil.

Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 12(2):85-87.

RevDate: 2025-05-09

Shafagh SG, Moradi-Asl E, Mirzagholipour M, et al (2025)

Impact of Global Climate-Change on Ecology of Anopheles Mosquitoes: A Systematic Review.

Iranian journal of public health, 54(3):542-553.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of climate variables on the prevalence of malaria, a climate-sensitive infectious disease.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on articles published from Mar 2000 to Aug 2023 in Persian and English languages. Overall, 10,731 articles were retrieved, and 58 studies were included in the analysis.

RESULTS: Climate variables such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity play a significant role in predicting malaria outbreaks, with inconsistencies observed in different regions, including Iran. The study highlights the need for tailored preventive.

CONCLUSION: Strategies and interventions to address the impact of climate change on malaria transmission. Enhanced health system resilience is essential to combat the anticipated rise in malaria cases in the future.

RevDate: 2025-05-09
CmpDate: 2025-05-07

Tariq H, Nazar S, Umm-E-Rabab , et al (2025)

Perceptions of medical and public health professionals on climate change and emerging health challenges in Pakistan: a multi-scale approach.

BMC medical education, 25(1):665.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change is a significant global health threat, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries. Urban centres like Karachi, Pakistan, face rising incidences of vector-borne and waterborne diseases because of changing climate (CC). This study aimed to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding climate change, its health impacts, and their role in addressing these challenges.

METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using nine focus group discussions with 46 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and public health experts from three major hospitals and two postgraduate institutions in Karachi. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify both manifest and latent themes in the data.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed seven major themes: awareness of climate change, health impacts, economic and social consequences, environmental and natural disasters, the role of healthcare professionals, mitigation strategies, and policy challenges. Participants demonstrated varied levels of awareness, influenced by their educational background and professional specialization, with public health professionals exhibiting a broader understanding compared to other healthcare workers. Key concerns included the rise of infectious diseases, food insecurity, and urban resource strain. Participants identified barriers such as inadequate training, limited resources, and weak policy enforcement that hinder their ability to address climate impacts effectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals in Karachi play a critical role in mitigating climate-related health impacts. Enhanced education, integration of climate change into medical curricula, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. Strengthened policies and systemic investments are needed to empower healthcare workers as leaders in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

RevDate: 2025-05-09
CmpDate: 2025-05-07

Otieno TA, Otieno LA, Rotich B, et al (2025)

Modeling climate change impacts and predicting future vulnerability in the Mount Kenya forest ecosystem using remote sensing and machine learning.

Environmental monitoring and assessment, 197(6):631.

The Mount Kenya forest ecosystem (MKFE), a crucial biodiversity hotspot and one of Kenya's key water towers, is increasingly threatened by climate change, putting its ecological integrity and vital ecosystem services at risk. Understanding the interactions between climate extremes and forest dynamics is essential for conservation planning, especially in the Mount Kenya Forest Ecosystem (MKFE), where rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are altering vegetation patterns, reducing forest resilience, and threatening both biodiversity and water security. This study integrates remote sensing and machine learning to assess historical vegetation changes and predict areas at risk in the future. Landsat imagery from 2000 to 2020 was used to derive vegetation indices comprising the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Bare Soil Index (BSI). Climate variables, including extreme precipitation and temperature indices, were extracted from CHIRPS and ERA5 datasets. Machine learning models, including Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Support Vector Machines (SVM), were trained to assess climate-vegetation relationships and predict future vegetation dynamics under the SSP245 climate scenario using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) downscaled projections. The RF model achieved high accuracy (R[2] = 0.82, RMSE = 0.15) in predicting the dynamics of vegetation conditions. Model projections show a 49-55% decline in EVI across forest areas by 2040, with the most pronounced losses likely in lower montane zones, which are more sensitive to climate-induced vegetation stress. Results emphasize the critical role of precipitation in sustaining forest health and highlight the urgent need for adaptive management strategies, including afforestation, sustainable land-use planning, and policy-driven conservation efforts. This study provides a scalable framework for modelling climate impacts on forest ecosystems globally and offers actionable insights for policymakers.

RevDate: 2025-05-06

Malik M, RB De Guzman (2025)

Building climate resilience and mitigating the impact of climate change on cancer care: strategies and solutions for low and middle income countries.

Cancer causes & control : CCC [Epub ahead of print].

Climate change poses an enormous threat to human health. It increases exposure to risk factors related to cancer while simultaneously threatening effective cancer care in the face of overstrained resources and natural hazards. Low and middle income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change which further limits their ability to respond effectively to this growing threat. Measures to build resilience and mitigate the impact warrant multi-sectoral local and global collaborations. Mitigation strategies positively impact cancer control by reducing exposure to risk factors. The current pace of climate change and the rising rates of cancer incidence in LMICs calls for urgent, effective, evidence-based global efforts toward protecting the health and wellbeing of our planet. This paper discusses strategies to build climate resilience in healthcare and measures to mitigate the emissions of oncology care in LMICs.

RevDate: 2025-05-06
CmpDate: 2025-05-06

Qamar W, M Qayum (2025)

The Syndemic of Climate Change, Migration, and Mental Health: A Global Health Perspective.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP, 35(5):657-660.

This paper explores climate change as a catalyst for mass migration, emphasising the resulting mental health consequences for displaced populations. The tendency of social ties upon migration is substantial, as these provide both resources and stress, while the severance of such ties tends to worsen mental illness. Insufficient access to mental health services for migrants has been attributed to a lack of resources, legal barriers, and negative attitudes of the community. Furthermore, migration related to climate change may provoke competition over scarce resources which will worsen the mental health situation. Although some psychosocial support arrangements have been shown to work, people are still unable to obtain such treatment, especially in resource-poor countries. Such findings demonstrate why it is essential that any response to climate migration policy incorporate mental health as a component of most, if not all, climate policy measures. In this regard, it calls for the promotion of comprehensive and flexible mental healthcare systems, increased a funding for programmes targeting refugees, and redesigning a priority setting oriented in addressing the chronic mental health problems among refugee populations. Key Words: Syndemic, Climate change, Migration, Mental health, Global health.

RevDate: 2025-05-05

Yves A, Azevedo JAR, Pirani RM, et al (2025)

Local adaptation has a role in reducing vulnerability to climate change in a widespread Amazonian forest lizard.

Heredity [Epub ahead of print].

The extant genetic variation within and among taxa reflects a long history of diversification and adaptive mechanisms in response to climate change and landscape alterations. However, the velocity of current anthropogenic changes poses an imminent threat to global biodiversity. Understanding how species and populations might respond to global climate change provides valuable information for conservation in the face of these impacts. Here, we use genomic data to observe candidate loci under climate selection and test for genetic vulnerability to climate change in a widespread Amazonian ombrophilous lizard population. We found nine populations across Amazonia with a considerable amount of admixture among them. Distinct approaches of genome-environment association analyses revealed 56 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) under climatic selection, showing an east-west gradient in the adaptive landscape and a signal of local climate adaptation across the species range. According to our results, signals of local adaptation indicate that the species may not respond equally throughout its range, with some populations facing higher extinction risks. Genomic offset analysis predicts the southern and central portions of Amazonia to have a higher vulnerability to future climate change. Our findings highlight the importance of considering spatially explicit contexts with a large sampling coverage to evaluate how local adaptation and climatic vulnerability affect Amazonian forest ectothermic fauna.

RevDate: 2025-05-05
CmpDate: 2025-05-06

Logie CH, Hasham A, Kagunda J, et al (2025)

Climate change, resource insecurities and sexual and reproductive health among young adolescents in Kenya: a multi-method qualitative inquiry.

BMJ global health, 10(5): pii:bmjgh-2024-016637.

INTRODUCTION: Growing evidence supports linkages between climate change and extreme weather events (EWEs) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among adults. Yet knowledge gaps persist regarding climate-related experiences and pathways to SRH among young adolescents (YA). We conducted a multi-method qualitative study to explore climate change-related factors and linkages with SRH among YA aged 10-14 years in Kenya.

METHODS: This six-site study was conducted in Nairobi's urban slum Mathare; Naivasha's flower farming community; Kisumu's fishing community; Isiolo's nomadic and pastoralist community; Kilifi's coastal smallholder farms and Kalobeyei refugee settlement. Methods involved: n=12 elder focus groups, n=60 YA walk-along interviews (WAIs) and n=12 2-day YA participatory mapping workshops (PMWs). We conducted codebook thematic analysis informed by the resource insecurity framework.

RESULTS: Participants (n=297) included: elders (n=119; mean age: 60.6 years, SD: 7.9; men: 48.7%, women: 51.3%), YA WAI participants (n=60; mean age: 13.4, SD: 1.5; boys: 51.4%, girls: 48.6%) and YA PMW participants (n=118; mean age: 12.1, SD: 1.3; boys: 50.8%, girls: 49.2%). Narratives identified climate-related changes and EWEs increased existing resource insecurities that, in turn, were linked directly and indirectly with SRH vulnerabilities. Food and water insecurity contributed to YA missing school, sexual violence, transactional sex and exploitative relationships. Sanitation insecurity produced challenges regarding menstrual hygiene, sexual violence risks and transactional sex. Transactional sex and exploitative relationships were linked with unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection risks. Gender inequities increased girls' risks for violence and sexual exploitation, whereas boys were more prone to running away.

CONCLUSION: We found that climate change exacerbated resource insecurities that may drive SRH outcomes among YA in Kenya. We developed a conceptual model to illustrate these pathways linking climate change, EWEs, resource insecurities and SRH. Climate-informed interventions should consider these pathways within larger social environmental contexts to advance young adolescent SRH in Kenya.

RevDate: 2025-05-05

Lu H, M Mokarram (2025)

Forecasting climate change effects on Saline Lakes through advanced remote sensing and deep learning.

The Science of the total environment, 980:179582 pii:S0048-9697(25)01223-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Given the vital role of saline lakes in supporting ecosystems in arid regions, this study analyzes their long-term changes by assessing their characteristics and spectral reflectance properties. Alongside evaluating the physical and chemical variations of these lakes, the research integrates climate change modeling to predict future shifts in their features and assess ecological impacts on surrounding environments. By employing Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Network (SRGAN) and Multiresolution Segmentation (MRS), this approach enhances satellite image resolution and enables more precise differentiation of key lake components-such as salt deposits, salinity levels, and moisture fluctuations. The results show that increasing image resolution with SRGAN and using these images as input data for image classification models improves the identification of physical characteristics and the prediction of chemical properties of lakes with greater detail. The proposed method, based on Cellular Automata (CA)-Markov modeling of albedo and infrared wave reflectance, predicts a roughly 15 % increase in salinity of the studied lakes by 2050, driven by rising temperatures, intensified evaporation, and declining moisture levels. Finally, the results of climate change predictions based on the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm, with high accuracy (R[2] > 0.9), indicate increasing temperatures and evaporation in the coming years. Consequently, these rising temperatures will elevate salinity, drying, and albedo intensity in Chaka, Tuz, and Razzaza Lakes over the coming decades. This is supported by RCP8.5 scenarios, which project significant increases by 2100 that lead to greater evaporation and salinity. These changes have profound implications for surrounding ecosystems, particularly by affecting plant communities and accelerating desertification around these saline lakes.

RevDate: 2025-05-05

Lobell DB, S Di Tommaso (2025)

A half-century of climate change in major agricultural regions: Trends, impacts, and surprises.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 122(20):e2502789122.

Efforts to anticipate and adapt to future climate can benefit from historical experiences. We examine agroclimatic conditions over the past 50 y for five major crops around the world. Most regions experienced rapid warming relative to interannual variability, with 45% of summer and 32% of winter crop area warming by more than two SD (σ). Vapor pressure deficit (VPD), a key driver of plant water stress, also increased in most temperate regions but not in the tropics. Precipitation trends, while important in some locations, were generally below 1σ. Historical climate model simulations show that observed changes in crops' climate would have been well predicted by models run with historical forcings, with two main surprises: i) models substantially overestimate the amount of warming and drying experienced by summer crops in North America, and ii) models underestimate the increase in VPD in most temperate cropping regions. Linking agroclimatic data to crop productivity, we estimate that climate trends have caused current global yields of wheat, maize, and barley to be 10, 4, and 13% lower than they would have otherwise been. These losses likely exceeded the benefits of CO2 increases over the same period, whereas CO2 benefits likely exceeded climate-related losses for soybean and rice. Aggregate global yield losses are very similar to what models would have predicted, with the two biases above largely offsetting each other. Climate model biases in reproducing VPD trends may partially explain the ineffectiveness of some adaptations predicted by modeling studies, such as farmer shifts to longer maturing varieties.

RevDate: 2025-05-05

Iordanou K, D Kuhn (2025)

Investigating climate change through argumentation: Purposeful questioning supports argumentation and knowledge acquisition.

Journal of experimental psychology. Applied pii:2026-10598-001 [Epub ahead of print].

Over several weeks, 125 young adolescents engaged deeply with the topic of climate change in a discourse-based program designed to build argumentation skills. We put to a test the hypothesis that information on this complex and critical topic is best acquired and made use of in argument if acquiring it is experienced as having purpose and able to fulfill a role in argument. Activities in an experimental condition followed the program's practice of making available topic-related information in the form of brief questions and answers on an as-requested basis. Offered to them as a potential resource in peer dialogs on the topic, throughout the activity participants selected questions they wished answers to, and these were provided. Students in a comparison condition followed the traditional classroom practice of being assigned to read an introductory text as background information on the topic. It contained information identical to that in the questions and answer cards experimental group participants chose to access. Under both conditions, all information remained available once accessed. Both groups benefited in knowledge gain, as well as skill development in coordinating evidence with claims in final essays. However, the experimental group showed greater knowledge as well as skill gain, and a difference we suggest is attributable to the knowledge gained having an anticipated purpose making them more likely to make use of it. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

RevDate: 2025-05-08
CmpDate: 2025-05-06

Oyelayo EA, Taiwo TJ, Oyelude SO, et al (2025)

The global impact of industrialisation and climate change on antimicrobial resistance: assessing the role of Eco-AMR Zones.

Environmental monitoring and assessment, 197(6):625.

This study examines the relationship between industrialisation, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene prevalence. Data analysis from the top 20 highly industrialised and the top 20 least industrialised nations revealed that industrial activities significantly contribute to global warming, with temperature increases of up to 2 °C observed in highly industrialised regions. These environmental changes influence the distribution and evolution of AMR genes, as rising temperatures can affect bacterial resistance in a manner similar to antibiotics. Through a bioinformatics approach, a marked disparity in AMR gene frequencies was observed between highly industrialised and less industrialised nations, with developed countries reporting higher frequencies due to extensive antibiotic use and advanced monitoring systems. 'Eco-AMR Zones' is proposed as a solution to specialised areas by promoting sustainable industrial practices, enforcing pollution controls, and regulating antibiotic use to mitigate AMR's environmental and public health impacts. These zones, supported by collaboration across various sectors, offer a promising approach to preserving antibiotic effectiveness and reducing environmental degradation. The study emphasises the importance of integrated global strategies that address both the ecological and public health challenges posed by AMR, advocating for sustainable practices, international collaboration, and ongoing research to combat the evolving threats of climate change and antimicrobial resistance.

RevDate: 2025-05-07

Law BE, Abatzoglou JT, Schwalm CR, et al (2025)

Anthropogenic climate change contributes to wildfire particulate matter and related mortality in the United States.

Communications earth & environment, 6(1):336.

Climate change has increased forest fire extent in temperate and boreal North America. Here, we quantified the contribution of anthropogenic climate change to human mortality and economic burden from exposure to wildfire particulate matter at the county and state level across the contiguous US (2006 to 2020) by integrating climate projections, climate-wildfire models, wildfire smoke models, and emission and health impact modeling. Climate change contributed to approximately 15,000 wildfire particulate matter deaths over 15 years with interannual variability ranging from 130 (95% confidence interval: 64, 190) to 5100 (95% confidence interval: 2500, 7500) deaths and a cumulative economic burden of $160 billion. Approximately 34% of the additional deaths attributable to climate change occurred in 2020, costing $58 billion. The economic burden was highest in California, Oregon, and Washington. We suggest that absent abrupt changes in climate trajectories, land management, and population, the indirect impacts of climate change on human-health through wildfire smoke will escalate.

RevDate: 2025-05-05

Wohlgemuth T, A Gessler (2025)

Consequences of the Collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation for Europe's Forests Would be More Severe Than Those of a 'Normal' Climate Change.

Global change biology, 31(5):e70201.

RevDate: 2025-05-04

Osawa T, Sakurai G, A Wakai (2025)

Developing national-scale basic guideline on flood-adaptation strategies under climate change using probabilistic and deterministic factors.

Water research, 282:123723 pii:S0043-1354(25)00632-3 [Epub ahead of print].

As climate adaptation strategies against floods, implementing structural measures in damage-prone areas, supplemented by nonstructural measures (e.g., ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR)), is a viable approach. However, under climate change, predicting damage-prone areas is challenging, hindering the development of effective adaptation strategies. The increase in floods under climate change can be broadly attributed to probabilistic, triggerring hazards, and deterministic, inducing vulnerability factors. Therefore, quantification for levels of probabilistic and deterministic factors may establish adaptation strategies such as prioritize areas where structural measures should be implemented. Herein, we establish basic guideline for developing adaptation strategies against floods, considering probabilistic and deterministic factors simultaneously. We investigated all the municipalities in Japan and modeled flood occurrence from 2010 to 2019 based on government statistics, using the rainfall indicator as a probabilistic factors and terrain factor, which considers land use as a deterministic factor to decide appropriate indicators. Thereafter, we quantified the increase and decrease in rainfall indicator as probabilistic factor. Additionally, we used terrain factor, which considers current land use as a deterministic factor. We implemented nonhierarchical clustering using probabilistic and deterministic factors and classified 1795 municipalities in Japan into six clusters. The findings confirm the feasibility of developing specific adaptation strategies based on the clusters, such as strengthening the installation of artificial structures in areas belonging to the cluster in which floods expectedly increase and enhancing measures in clusters that remain unchanged based on flood histories.

RevDate: 2025-05-04

Opoku Mensah S, Osei-Acheampong B, Jacobs B, et al (2025)

Smallholder farmers' climate change adaptation in Ghana: A systematic literature review and future directions.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125598 pii:S0301-4797(25)01574-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Efforts to promote adaptation among smallholder farmers in Ghana have yielded a substantial body of research. Despite the growing body of research on climate adaptation in Ghana, existing studies remain fragmented, lacking a comprehensive synthesis of smallholder farmers' adaptation strategies and barriers. This study makes a novel contribution by providing the first agroecology-specific synthesis of climate change adaptation strategies among Ghanaian smallholder farmers. By disaggregating findings across six ecological zones, it reveals context-specific patterns and barriers, offering an evidence base for locally tailored and transformative adaptation planning within Ghana's agricultural sector. A systematic literature review was performed to assess Ghanaian smallholder farmers' adaptation strategies and identify any existing gaps for future research. From the 497 records reviewed, we identified 61 adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers. These strategies were organised into two categories: on-farm strategies-agricultural intensification and extensification-and off-farm strategies-livelihood diversification and migration. Additionally, several significant gaps were identified, including limited research on the effectiveness of adaptation strategies, the role of institutions in enhancing adaptive capacity, and how different livelihood capitals are mobilized, transformed, and combined to reduce livelihood sensitivity. Further gaps include the lack of integrated vulnerability analyses of crop-livestock farming systems and insufficient multi-scale research to examine how climatic and non-climatic stressors vary and interact across scales to exacerbate the vulnerability of farming households. Our findings emphasise the need for all stakeholders to increase investment in contemporary research and sustainable development initiatives to foster transformational adaptation in Ghana's agricultural sector.

RevDate: 2025-05-04

Bai Q, Wang T, Han Q, et al (2025)

Vegetation dynamics induced by climate change and human activities: Implications for coastal wetland restoration.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125594 pii:S0301-4797(25)01570-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Coastal wetlands are valuable ecosystems that have been gravely threatened by climate change and human activities. Understanding vegetation dynamics and relevant driving mechanisms is important for the management and restoration of coastal wetlands. Here, based on Landsat data and field surveys, the spatiotemporal variations in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were analyzed for the Beidagang Wetland Nature Reserve in northern China to understand the vegetation response to climate change during periods with different human impacts (i.e., low-disturbance, high-disturbance, and recovery stages). The results showed that the average growing-season NDVI (NDVIgs) over the area exhibited a significant decreasing trend from 1984 to 2023 at -0.0025 a[-1] (p < 0.001), even during the recovery stage (2014-2023); however, NDVIgs across the area revealed varying trends due to the interactive impacts of climate change and human activities. Specifically, NDVIgs showed significant increasing trends in less human disturbed areas due to rising temperature (T); whereas, this increasing trend was greatly weakened in human disturbed areas. During the recovery stage, the legacy impact of human activities, particularly the excavation of aquaculture ponds in the high-disturbance stage, persistently prohibited vegetation recovery; moreover, the increase in open water area due to ecological water replenishment also contributing to the declining NDVIgs. By comparison, appropriate restoration measures (e.g., constructing embankments and connecting drainage ditches) aided vegetation recovery during the same stage. This study demonstrates the interactive impacts of climate change and human activities on coastal wetland vegetation dynamics, which provides an important perspective for improving restoration efforts in coastal wetlands.

RevDate: 2025-05-04

Albaladejo-García JA, Martínez-García V, Martínez-Paz JM, et al (2025)

Gaining insight into best management practices for climate change impact abatement on agroecosystem services and disservices.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125629 pii:S0301-4797(25)01605-6 [Epub ahead of print].

Given agriculture's direct dependence on nature, the climate change effects on agroecosystems may reduce (in quantity and/or quality) agroecosystem services and increase agroecosystem disservices. To achieve a transition pathway for sustainable intensification, best management practices (BMPs) should be considered. These practices may be even more necessary in intensified irrigated agroecosystems, especially in water-scarce areas such as the semi-arid Mediterranean region. There is a knowledge gap in understanding the role of BMPs for climate change impact abatement in these agroecosystems. In this context, the aim of this paper is to characterize the BMPs for climate change in semi-arid Mediterranean intensified irrigated agroecosystems, based on the analysis of agroecosystem services and disservices of six BMPs. A set of representative indicators of the agroecosystem services and disservices have been selected and quantified by using data from data statistics, interviews with farmers, specialized literature, geographic information systems and life cycle analysis. In addition, correlation analysis has been carried out to identify synergies and trade-offs between services and disservices for each BMPs. Results show that the adoption of BMPs for climate change impact abatement would enhance the provision of agroecosystem services. Specifically, the establishment of perimeter hedgerows or the application of biological control practices would improve biodiversity, whereas crop diversification would improve recreation services. The adoption of BMPs would also serve to reduce the provision of agroecosystem disservices, such as the use of organic fertilization to mitigate eutrophication and the use of regulated deficit irrigation to reduce irrigation water use. The adoption of a specific BMP that is expected to benefit one agroecosystem service may not have the same effect on the provision of another type of service or disservice, and vice versa. These results enable decision-makers in semi-arid Mediterranean irrigated agriculture to develop agri-environmental policies in response to climate change and to anticipate the expected benefits and burdens on their farms.

RevDate: 2025-05-04

Zhou C, Liu D, Keesing J, et al (2025)

Distinguishing impacts of climate change and human activities on phytoplankton communities in remote coastal waters: A paleoecological perspective.

Marine pollution bulletin, 217:118057 pii:S0025-326X(25)00532-6 [Epub ahead of print].

Distinguishing between climatic and anthropogenic influences to accurately assess their respective impacts on coastal phytoplankton dynamics remains a complex challenge. Northwestern Australia (NWA), largely free from direct human disturbances, presents a unique natural laboratory for disentangling these factors. This study reconstructs phytoplankton community dynamics over the past century by analyzing sedimentary diatoms and silicoflagellates from sediment cores in Roebuck Bay, which experiences mild eutrophication, and Cygnet Bay, which remains relatively pristine. Total nitrogen (TN) and stable nitrogen isotopes (δ[15]N) were employed as proxies to trace anthropogenic nutrient inputs. Results suggest that shifts in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and variability in the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) contributed to increased phytoplankton biomass and a rise in silicoflagellate dominance during 1950-1970 and after 2000. Meanwhile, anthropogenic nutrient enrichment in Roebuck Bay, evident from elevated TN and δ[15]N levels after 1967, correlated with increased Shannon Diversity Index and a shift in community structure, favoring planktonic over benthic species. These findings highlight the distinct interconnected roles of climatic variability and human activities in shaping the NWA ecosystem, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and research.

RevDate: 2025-05-03

Inkoom EW, Abubakari FV, Brown F, et al (2025)

Modelling climate change awareness heterogeneity among smallholder cereal crop farmers in the semi-arid region of Ghana: A latent class regression approach.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125595 pii:S0301-4797(25)01571-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Climate change awareness, characterised as experiential knowledge among food crop farmers, is a fundamental factor influencing their climate-smart adaptation decisions and behaviours. A critical issue in this context is the unobserved heterogeneity in awareness levels, resulting in varying degrees of climate resilience among these farmers. Consequently, understanding the heterogeneity in awareness and the factors that influence it is essential for informing effective climate response policies. To investigate this issue, we utilized a latent class regression model to examine the unobserved heterogeneity in climate change awareness among cereal crop farmers and to identify the key determinants of this variation. Data were collected through a multistage sampling procedure from 300 smallholder cereal crop farmers in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The model identified three distinct latent classes of awareness: low awareness (33 %), moderate awareness (27 %), and strong awareness (40 %), thus highlighting significant heterogeneity in awareness levels among farmers. The analysis revealed that factors such as sex, age, years of education, farmer association membership, years of farming experience, regular access to extension training and information on climate-related actions and spatial location landmark were significant predictors of climate change awareness heterogeneity among farmers. The results further demonstrated that climate change variability awareness trend as reported by farmers corroborated historical evidence of climate change in the study area. Consequently, policymakers and stakeholders in northern Ghana must consider these variations and their determinants when formulating and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

RevDate: 2025-05-02

Balcilar M, Özkan O, Usman O, et al (2025)

A global shift: How modern technologies are powering the energy transition in the face of climate change.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125610 pii:S0301-4797(25)01586-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Decarbonizing energy systems and mitigating climate risks necessitate a transition to modern technologies, which foster advancements in the financial, transportation, communication, and manufacturing sectors. This research examines the influence of modern technologies in contemporary financial, communication, transportation, and manufacturing systems on global energy transition within the framework of concerns about climate change. The analysis utilizes daily data from June 16, 2017 to July 1, 2024. The empirical findings derived from the rolling window quantile correlation (RWQC), partial rolling window quantile correlation (PRWQC), and Quantile DCC-GARCH methodologies reveal the following: (i) modern technologies in financial, communication, transportation, and manufacturing systems exhibit a positive correlation with global energy transition; (ii) the strength of the positive correlation between modern technologies in financial, communication, transportation, and manufacturing systems and the global energy transition varies across quantiles and over time; (iii) excluding the influence of climate change concerns diminishes the correlation between modern technologies in financial, communication, transportation, and manufacturing systems and the global energy transition, underscoring the pivotal role of environmental awareness in achieving climate-related objectives; and (iv) the Quantile DCC-GARCH model reaffirms the positive correlation between modern technologies in financial, communication, transportation, and manufacturing systems and the global energy transition. Based on these insights, climate policy measures-such as promoting clean energy technologies, green financing, energy efficiency, and other integrative strategies-should be prioritized to facilitate a sustainable global energy transition.

RevDate: 2025-05-01

Limb M (2025)

Climate change: UK is unprepared for rising deaths and health disruption, report warns.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 389:r873.

RevDate: 2025-05-01

Smyth PP, CD O'Dowd (2025)

Climate Change Induced Atmospheric Iodine Enrichment - A Paradoxically Beneficial Contribution.

RevDate: 2025-05-01

Leitão F, F Cánovas (2025)

Predicting climate change impacts on marine fisheries, biodiversity and economy in the Canary/Iberia current upwelling system.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125537 pii:S0301-4797(25)01513-0 [Epub ahead of print].

The vulnerability of fisheries to climate change (CC) is driven by exposure factors that can affect species and fisheries differently at regional level. Ecological and socioeconomic consequences of climate change were assessed by evaluating a set of species (N = 53), caught by Portuguese fleet, that are likely to be affected by changes in oceanographical conditions (climatic scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) by the middle of this century (2041-2060). A novel approach was used which consist in estimate species habitat vulnerability index to CC by combining species habitat suitability with species sensitivity (life history ecological-biological traits), that was considered the weighting score for habitat suitability estimations by niche ecological models. Exploited species denote little specialization and have a large marginalization range with results showing that shifts in environmental variables, expected in the future, did not alter general distribution patterns of study species. Specialization was associated with sea surface temperature while marginality to depth, indicating that species can find refuges at higher depths without losing distribution range. Predicted changes in habitat suitability values across all species varied between a decrease of 11 % and an increase of 7 %, with species mean shifts around ±4 %. Catch composition by species (similarity >95 % regardless scenario/area), functional groups (similarity >97 % regardless scenario/area), trophic level structure (similarity >98 % regardless scenario/area) and marine biodiversity (marine trophic index ∼ 3.35 regardless scenario/area) projected for the middle of this century, showed similarities to the present scenario. Economic losses estimated for the middle of this century correspond to a maximum value of 3 % in catch and 2.3 % economically. Fisheries revenue could not be jeopardized due to CC until the middle of the century. Under results found maintaining sustainable fishing management strategies is the best way to mitigate CC effects.

RevDate: 2025-05-01

Luo D, Guo L, Sun X, et al (2025)

Climate change and overfishing combine to drive the population decline of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary from the Northern South China Sea.

The Science of the total environment, 980:179557 pii:S0048-9697(25)01198-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Overfishing and climate change pose significant threats to cetacean populations, yet the specific impacts on individual species, particularly cetaceans inhabiting complex coastal areas, are not well understood due to limited data. This study utilizes five years of field survey data, alongside fishery activity and climate change scenarios, to assess the population dynamics of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin in the Pearl River Estuary from the Northern South China Sea. Our results indicate a dramatic and ongoing decline in the humpback dolphin population over recent decades, decreasing from over 1000 to 742 individuals. The individual impact of climate change on biomass is moderate, showing changes between -1.3 % and + 11.97 %. Projected climate change scenarios reveal further population reductions, exacerbated by increasing fishing pressures, with declines ranging from 6.17 % to 20.39 %. Notably, our simulations highlight the detrimental effects of unrestrained socioeconomic development on humpback dolphins' viability and population. The dolphins exhibit adaptive dietary strategies to maintain energy levels in changing ecosystems; however, total energy intake still declines across all age classes, requiring increased foraging efforts. This may lead to decreased group sizes, altered distribution patterns, and reduced reproductive success, further increasing their vulnerability to additional stressors. The complex interplay between human activities and environmental changes in marine ecosystems, which significantly impacts cetaceans, provides crucial insights for developing integrated management strategies to safeguard the biodiversity and resilience of coastal marine ecosystems.

RevDate: 2025-05-01
CmpDate: 2025-05-01

Croft DP, Lee A, Nordgren TM, et al (2025)

Climate Change and Respiratory Health: Opportunities to Contribute to Environmental Justice: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 22(5):631-650.

Adverse environmental exposures worsened by our changing climate threaten respiratory health and exacerbate existing social inequities that further undermine environmental justice (EJ). EJ is the capacity of all people, regardless of sociodemographic characteristics, to minimize harmful exposures and live a healthy life. EJ is achieved through the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In 2023, an American Thoracic Society workshop convened a group of 39 clinicians, researchers, community advocates, research program administrators, and health policy experts to characterize the respiratory health threats and EJ concerns arising from climate change. The workshop explored four main climate areas through a socioecological and EJ perspective: 1) respiratory health risks, 2) respiratory health impacts in low- and middle-income countries, 3) climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, and 4) priority research infrastructure needs. The workshop committee concluded that climate change can directly and indirectly impair respiratory health and that persistently excluded or marginalized communities (including those in low- and middle-income countries) are disproportionately impacted. These disproportionately impacted communities also lack hazard monitoring and resources to evaluate and advocate for mitigation of adverse environmental exposures. Future respiratory health research must inform mitigation strategies to reduce climate-related emissions from industry to net zero. Researchers, communities, and policymakers require training and support to meaningfully engage with systems-thinking research as well as policy solutions focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change. Finally, the workshop committee recommends a rapid transition away from fossil fuel dependence to a world that provides an equitable allocation of clean transportation options and renewable sources of energy production.

RevDate: 2025-05-02
CmpDate: 2025-05-01

Anderson JT, DeMarche ML, Denney DA, et al (2025)

Adaptation and gene flow are insufficient to rescue a montane plant under climate change.

Science (New York, N.Y.), 388(6746):525-531.

Climate change increasingly drives local population dynamics, shifts geographic distributions, and threatens persistence. Gene flow and rapid adaptation could rescue declining populations yet are seldom integrated into forecasts. We modeled eco-evolutionary dynamics under preindustrial, contemporary, and projected climates using up to 9 years of fitness data from 102,272 transplants (115 source populations) of Boechera stricta in five common gardens. Climate change endangers locally adapted populations and reduces genotypic variation in long-term population growth rate, suggesting limited adaptive potential. Upslope migration could stabilize high-elevation populations and preserve low-elevation ecotypes, but unassisted gene flow modeled with genomic data is too spatially restricted. Species distribution models failed to capture current dynamics and likely overestimate persistence under intermediate emissions scenarios, highlighting the importance of modeling evolutionary processes.

RevDate: 2025-05-01

Islam J, Frentiu FD, Devine GJ, et al (2025)

A State-of-the-Science Review of Long-term Predictions of Climate Change Impacts on Dengue Transmission Risk.

Environmental health perspectives [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Climate change is predicted to profoundly impact dengue transmission risk, yet a thorough review of evidence is necessary to refine understanding of climate scenarios, projection periods, spatial resolutions, and modelling approaches.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a State-of-the-Science review to comprehensively understand long-term dengue risk predictions under climate change, identify research gaps, and provide evidence-based guidelines for future studies.

METHODS: We searched three medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) up to December 5, 2024, to extract relevant modelling studies. A priori search strategy, predefined eligibility criteria, and systematic data extraction procedures were implemented to identify and evaluate studies.

RESULTS: Of 5,035 studies retrieved, 57 met inclusion criteria. Prediction for dengue risk ranged from 1950-2115, and 52.63% (n = 30) of all studies used Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). Specifically, RCP 8.5 (34.94%, n = 29), Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) 2 (32.35%, n = 11), and the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1 (58.33%, n = 7) were utilized the most among all the RCPs, SSPs, and SRES climate change scenarios. Most studies (57.89%, n = 33) used only climatic variables for the prediction, and 21.05% (n = 12) of studies employed fine spatial resolution (≈ 1 km) for the climate data. We identified correlative approach was used mostly across the studies for modelling the future risk (61.40%, n = 35). Among mechanistic models, 35% (n = 7) lacked outcome validation, and 75% (n = 15) did not report model evaluation metrics.

DISCUSSION: We identified the urgent need to strengthen dengue databases, use finer spatial resolutions to integrate big data, and incorporate potential socio-environmental factors such as human movement, vegetation, microclimate, and vector control efficacy in modelling. Utilizing appropriate spatiotemporal models and validation techniques will be crucial for developing functional climate-driven early warning systems for dengue fever. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14463.

RevDate: 2025-05-02
CmpDate: 2025-05-01

Allipour Birgani R, Takian A, Kianirad A, et al (2025)

Climate Change and Food Security: A Framework for Agenda Setting and Policy Analysis in Iran.

International journal of public health, 70:1608116.

OBJECTIVES: This study identifies the key factors contributing to Food Security (FS) in the context of Climate change (CC), aiming to foster agenda setting for FS in Iran.

METHODS: This is a qualitative study. We interviewed 32 relevant stakeholders from various backgrounds. We used a mixed inductive-deductive approach in data analysis, drawing up on an adopted framework comprising of health policy triangle and selected agenda setting framework.

RESULTS: Our analysis revealed eight constructs, eight themes, and 26 subthemes. The constructs included: common voice, leadership, scientific evidence, economic, multi-sectoral collaboration, advocacy, early warning systems, and supreme decision-making center. The main themes identified were shortcomings in: consensus, high-level political commitment, cooperation, System approach, research, planning, economic resources, and public participation. The international data gathering was limited in this study.

CONCLUSION: To mitigate the risk of FS in CC condition and push the emerging subject into the government agenda in Iran, we recommend reforms in the eight identified constructs and advocate a combined policy approach including three dimensions: policy integration, coherency, and coordination, through a new model of governance.

RevDate: 2025-05-02

Chanmany Pastor R, Roberts L, Jain A, et al (2025)

The Heat Is On: Climate Change Implications for Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease.

Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.), 6(1):286-292.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a serious, chronic blood disorder is the most common genetic blood disease in the United States affecting 100,000 people and disproportionately affecting the African American population. Pregnancy is particularly risky for people with SCD due to higher risk of developing pregnancy-related complications compared with people without the disease. For African American pregnant women with SCD, the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality is up to 10 times higher. Physiological changes during pregnancy increase the risk of vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs), acute chest syndrome, venous thromboembolic events, and infections. Dehydration increases risk as it triggers sickling of red blood cells, leading to painful VOEs and further increasing the risk of aforementioned complications. Climate change, observed since the mid-20th century, is evidenced by the increasing trend of global temperature, hurricanes, floods, and heat waves. Climate changes can profoundly impact people with SCD, as elevated temperatures result in increased core body temperatures, blood hyperosmolality, and dehydration. Assisted by a research librarian, a literature search was undertaken of major databases (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar), with delimiters of publication between 2019 and 2024 and human subjects, and 477 studies were retrieved. After meticulous screening, 20 relevant articles were analyzed. Evidence linking climate change impact to increased risk for pregnant people with SCD is lacking. Further research is needed to examine the phenomenon and mitigate this unique risk of climate change. SCD clinical guidelines stress the importance of preventing dehydration. Clinicians play a critical role in educating this vulnerable population about risks, including dehydration and exposure to extreme heat.

RevDate: 2025-05-02

Farag PF, Alkhalifah DHM, Ali SK, et al (2025)

Impact of climate change on the potential global prevalence of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. under several climatological scenarios.

Frontiers in plant science, 16:1512294.

INTRODUCTION: Climate change forms one of the most dangerous problems that disturb the earth today. It not only devastates the environment but also affects the biodiversity of living organisms, including fungi. Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is one of the most pervasive and destructive soil-borne fungus that threatens food security, so predicting its current and future distribution will aid in following its emergence in new regions and taking precautionary measures to control it.

METHODS: Throughout this work, there are about 324 records of M. phaseolina were used to model its global prevalence using 19 environmental covariates under several climate change scenarios for analysis. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to predict the spatial distribution of this fungus throughout the world while algorithms of DIVA-GIS were chosen to confirm the predicted model.

RESULTS: Based on the Jackknife test, minimum temperature of coldest month (bio_6) represented the most effective bioclimatological parameter to fungus distribution with a 52.5% contribution. Two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 of global climate model (GCM) code MG, were used to forecast the global spreading of the fungus in 2050 and 2070. The area under curve (AUC) and true skill statistics (TSS) were assigned to evaluate the resulted models with values equal to 0.902 ± 0.009 and 0.8, respectively. These values indicated a satisfactory significant correlation between the models and the ecology of the fungus. Two-dimensional niche analysis illustrated that the fungus could adapt to a wide range of temperatures (9 °C to 28 °C), and its annual rainfall ranges from 0 mm to 2000 mm. In the future, Africa will become the low habitat suitability for the fungus while Europe will become a good place for its distribution.

DISCUSSION: The MaxEnt model is potentially useful for predicting the future distribution of M. phaseolina under changing climate, but the results need further intensive evaluation including more ecological parameters other than bioclimatological data.

RevDate: 2025-05-02

Wang R, Guo X, Song Y, et al (2025)

Effects of ultraviolet radiation as a climate variable on the geographic distribution of Oryza sativa under climate change based on Biomod2.

Frontiers in plant science, 16:1552770.

INTRODUCTION: Oryza sativa is one of the most important cereal crops globally.

METHODS: The aim of this study was to map areas suitable for the growth and conservation of O. sativa under current and future climatic conditions, and to observe the effects of UV variables on the distribution area of O. sativa.

RESULTS: Based on species distribution records, we used the Biomod2 platform to combine climate data, future shared socioeconomic pathways, and elevation data. The ensemble model (EM) was constructed by screening multiple species distribution models (SDMs), including RF, GBM, ANN, and MARS. The ROC value of the joint model is greater than 0.95, indicating that the model has high reliability and accuracy. Mean annual temperature (bio01), temperature seasonality (bio04), minimum temperature in the coldest month (bio06), mean temperature of coldest quarter (bio11), human footprint and human activity impact index (hfv2geo1) and annual average ultraviolet radiation (uvb1annualmeanuv.b) were the most important environmental variables affecting the suitable distribution area of O. sativa. Under the current climate conditions, the suitable habitats of O. sativa are mainly distributed in the south of the Yangtze River. In the future climate scenario, the total suitable habitat area of O. sativa tended to decrease, but the suitable distribution area under the influence of UV was larger than that without UV.

DISCUSSION: Climate change will significantly affect the potential distribution of O. sativa in China and increase its extinction risk. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a reference for the conservation, management, introduction and cultivation of food crops in China.

RevDate: 2025-05-03
CmpDate: 2025-05-01

Raz R, Negev M, Hauzer M, et al (2025)

Environmental responsibility in the Israeli health system in the era of climate change: a required paradigm shift.

Israel journal of health policy research, 14(1):19.

BACKGROUND: Environmental management in the Israeli health system is driven primarily by safety regulations. Such regulations aim to reduce hazardous exposures to employees, patients, and visitors, as well as some specific aspects of broader environmental toxicity to humans and nature. Most environmental precautions in the system target traditional exposures and do not specifically consider the health system's own impact on climate change. This article aims to justify incorporating climate change mitigation actions into short- and long-term plans in Israeli health organizations and present a schematic strategic roadmap to do so.

MAIN BODY: Climate change poses many threats to global health, including risks from severe weather events, changes in vector-borne diseases, increased hazardous air pollutants, food and water shortages, and adverse effects on reproductive health. The most effective effort in climate change mitigation is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Ignoring the health sector's emissions contradicts the ancient medical principle: first, do no harm (primum non-nocere). Furthermore, many climate mitigation methods introduce additional health co-benefits. Special attention and medical considerations are needed to safely reduce emissions from the health sector. This article reviews healthcare's most common emission sources, including energy consumption, transportation, food, waste, supplies, and the supply chain. An organizational carbon management strategy should include recognizing the problem and committing to action, estimating the organizational carbon footprint, developing and prioritizing alternative interventions, and developing a carbon management plan with measurable short- and intermediate-term goals.

CONCLUSION: Climate mitigation in the health sector is encompassed by the moral obligation of the Israeli healthcare system to do no harm. Performance measures to support GHG emission reductions should be adopted into the existing, successful Israeli programs of quality measures in medicine, both in the community and hospitals. In addition, Israel academic institutions for health and medical education should incorporate sustainable health into their curricula for students of health professions and as part of continuous medical education. Such policy actions will contribute to a healthy health system that supports climate change mitigation while providing health co-benefits to the Israeli population.

RevDate: 2025-04-30

Pogačar T, Kuk R, Kokot K, et al (2025)

Identifying the tourism sector's exposure to climate change utilizing two different climate datasets: the case of three climatically diverse locations in Slovenia.

International journal of biometeorology [Epub ahead of print].

This study investigates the exposure of Slovenia's tourism industry to climate change by analyzing climate data from two sources: the Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS) and the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO). Three distinct climate zones in Slovenia, namely submediterranean, subcontinental and moderate climate of the hilly region are examined. Using climate indices such as CIT: 3S and HCI: Urban, the research assesses historical trends and future projections of climate suitability for various tourism activities. Key climate variables, including hot days, heavy precipitation, and snow cover, are analyzed to improve the understanding of climate exposure. The submediterranean region may experience extended tourist seasons but face challenges from heatwaves and water scarcity. The subalpine region, dependent on winter tourism, is projected to experience reduced snow cover and potential challenges for ski resorts. The subcontinental region could benefit from extended seasons for outdoor activities but may also face heat stress and extreme weather events. The study shows that climate indicators can offer valuable insights, but can also oversimplify complex climate processes. Discrepancies between CDS and ARSO data highlight potential biases, emphasizing the need for caution in interpreting absolute values. Climate projections inherently involve uncertainties, particularly for snow indicators. Ensemble modeling and careful consideration of uncertainties are essential for assessing future impacts. By addressing these considerations, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of climate change's implications for Slovenia's tourism sector and offers valuable guidance for adaptation planning.

RevDate: 2025-05-02

PLOS One Staff (2025)

Correction: On people's perceptions of climate change and its impacts in a hotspot of global warming.

PloS one, 20(4):e0323273.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317786.].

RevDate: 2025-05-02
CmpDate: 2025-04-30

Plasman M, Díaz de la Vega-Pérez AH, McCue MD, et al (2025)

The ultimate challenge to climate change: Endurance of a thermophilic reptile to the harsh temperatures on an extremely hot island.

PloS one, 20(4):e0320796.

Herbivorous ectotherms are especially vulnerable to climate change and those inhabiting hot environments may already live near their maximum physiological limits. Insular species are particularly susceptible to changing thermal conditions because they cannot relocate. This proves a very poor prognostic for the survival of herbivorous reptiles living on islands. The piebald chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius, is a large iguana endemic to San Esteban Island, located in the Gulf of California, encompassed by the Sonoran Desert, one of the hottest areas on earth. We investigated the thermal ecology of this iguana during the hottest month of the year coinciding with the fruiting of its most important food source, the giant cardon. We measured field body temperature (Tbfield), voluntary maximum body temperature, the onset of thermal stress responses, and critical maximum temperature, and compared these with the thermal landscape. We found that Tbfield was 37.2±1.3°C (average±SD) and iguanas sought shade at a body temperature of 39.2±1.4°C. Iguanas started panting at 42.4±2.0°C, a cooling strategy at the expense of precious body water, and often defecated, at 43.2±1.9°C, with concomitant loss of water. We determined that these iguanas can maintain activity at body temperatures of 47.2±2.2°C, however they use various mechanical and behavioral mechanism to avoid these extremes. On the island, ground temperatures reached up to 62.4°C. Shade of plants can provide thermal shelter during part of the day. However, even in some caves temperatures could reach 41.5°C and under rocks 48.0°C, which is higher than these animals voluntarily tolerate. Our results indicated that although these chuckwallas can support high temperatures, their strategy incurs substantial water loss, a resource only available for the iguana through cacti consumption. Environmental temperature that increases with climate change will likely lead to an ever-increasing use of shelters, perhaps even resulting in complete inactivity during the cacti fruiting period.

RevDate: 2025-05-02
CmpDate: 2025-04-30

Asiamah N, Ofosu BO, Effah-Baafi YJ, et al (2025)

Policies for healthy ageing in response to climate change: Protocol of a systematic review.

PloS one, 20(4):e0323069.

Climate change is a global phenomenon affecting every segment of the population. Yet, older adults are more vulnerable to climate change events (e.g., floods, heatwaves, landslides) owing to their functional limitations. Understandably, stakeholders have called for healthy ageing policies that enable older adults and individuals in the general population to maintain wellbeing despite climate change. This review aims to describe healthy ageing policies adopted or recommended in response to climate change. Eight databases (i.e., CINAHL, Cochrane library, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE) will be searched to identify relevant studies. Materials published anywhere in English to date will be included in the review. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) or Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist will be employed to assess the quality of studies. A narrative synthesis will be adopted to present the results. This review will highlight groups targeted with healthy ageing policies and describe policies in use or recommended. It will proffer implications for practice, research, and sustainability.

RevDate: 2025-05-03
CmpDate: 2025-04-30

Bekele BK, Uwishema O, Bisetegn LD, et al (2025)

Cholera in Africa: A Climate Change Crisis.

Journal of epidemiology and global health, 15(1):68.

BACKGROUND: Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant public health concern globally, with 1.4-4.0 million cases and 21,000-143,000 deaths annually. While the disease is endemic in 47 less-developed countries across Africa and Asia, the African continent has been particularly affected, with 19 of 29 countries reporting cases in 2023 being from Africa.

AIM: To explore the trend of cholera outbreaks in Africa and analyze how climate change has contributed to the spread of the disease in the continent.

METHODS: A review of current cholera outbreaks in Africa, with particular focus on Sudan and Ethiopia as case studies, examining the relationship between climatic factors and cholera transmission.

RESULTS: Recent outbreaks in Sudan (declared September 26, 2023) resulted in 5,414 suspected cases and 170 deaths (case fatality rate 3.1%) across nine states as of December 5, 2023. In Ethiopia's Somali region, 772 confirmed cases and 23 deaths were reported within two weeks, with approximately 80% of cases affecting children. Climate factors significantly influence cholera transmission: a 1 °C temperature rise doubled cholera cases in Zanzibar. Both drought conditions, which increase Vibrio cholerae concentration in groundwater, and heavy rainfall periods, which lead to flooding and breakdown of sanitary conditions, contribute to outbreak risks.

CONCLUSIONS: Climate change impacts cholera transmission through rainfall patterns, temperature variations, and extreme weather events. Management recommendations include implementing accurate weather surveillance systems, strategic vaccination programs, flood-proof water supply infrastructure, and community engagement protocols. These interventions should be integrated while considering the growing influence of climate change on disease patterns.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

RevDate: 2025-05-01

Mweya CN, Mwanyonga SP, Ndelwa LA, et al (2025)

Community Knowledge About Climate Change and Industrialization Impacts on Recurrence of Dengue Epidemics in Selected Districts in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Health science reports, 8(5):e70745.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dengue fever epidemics pose an increasing public health threat in Tanzania. Climate change and industrialization may influence outbreaks, while community knowledge plays a vital role in prevention. This study examined public knowledge about environmental and anthropogenic impacts on dengue transmission.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 with 482 participants from Bahi, Kyela, and Ngorongoro districts. A validated questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and knowledge about dengue epidemiology related to climate and industrialization. Multinomial logistic regression and χ [2] tests examined associations between variables.

RESULTS: Over half of the participants (52.9%) were male, and most were aged 26-35 (33.2%). Only 21% demonstrated a good understanding of industrialization's health impacts, while 19% knew the climate change linkage with dengue. Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding climate change and industrialization impacts linked to recurrent epidemics (44.2% poor knowledge). Age over 35 (AOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.39-2.14), primary education or less (AOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.59-0.99), and unemployment (AOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.23-0.42) were associated with poor knowledge. Gender and occupation significantly predicted climate change knowledge (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Communities in dengue-endemic areas have limited knowledge about climate and anthropogenic drivers of recurring epidemics. Targeted educational interventions can improve understanding and preventative behavior among high-risk demographics.

RevDate: 2025-05-01
CmpDate: 2025-04-30

Wijburg SR, Maas M, Sprong H, et al (2023)

Assessing Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases by Determining Mammal Species Vulnerability to Climate Change.

Transboundary and emerging diseases, 2023:7628262.

Climate change is one of the drivers of wildlife-borne disease emergence, as it can affect species abundance and fitness, host immunocompetence, and interactions with pathogens. To detect emerging wildlife-borne diseases, countries may implement general wildlife-disease surveillance systems. Such surveillance exists in the Netherlands. However, it is unclear how well it covers host species vulnerable to climate change and consequently disease emergence in these species. Therefore, we performed a trait-based vulnerability assessment (TVA) to quantify species vulnerability to climate change for 59 Dutch terrestrial mammals. Species' vulnerability was estimated based on the magnitude of climatic change within the species' distribution (exposure), the species' potential to persist in situ (sensitivity), and the species' ability to adjust (adaptive capacity). Using these vulnerability categories, we identified priority species at risk for disease emergence due to climate change. Subsequently, we assessed the frequency of occurrence of these priority species compared to other mammal species examined in general wildlife disease surveillance during 2008-2022. We identified 25% of the mammal species to be highly exposed, 24% to be highly sensitive, and 22% to have a low adaptive capacity. The whiskered myotis and the garden dormouse were highly vulnerable (i.e., highly exposed, highly sensitive, and low adaptive capacity), but they are rare in the Netherlands. The Western barbastelle, the pond bat, and the Daubenton's myotis were potential adapters (highly exposed, highly sensitive, and high adaptive capacity). Species vulnerable to climate change were relatively poorly represented in current general surveillance. Our research shows a comprehensive approach that considers both exposures to climate change and ecological factors to assess vulnerability. TVAs, as presented in this study, can easily be adapted to include extra drivers and species, and we would therefore recommend surveillance institutes to consider integrating these types of assessments for evaluating and improving surveillance for wildlife-borne disease emergence.

RevDate: 2025-05-01
CmpDate: 2025-04-30

Ghosh AG, Kim HL, SS Khor (2025)

HLA alleles and dengue susceptibility across populations in the era of climate change: a comprehensive review.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1473475.

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is an emerging global health threat exacerbated by climate change. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns create favourable conditions for vector proliferation and extended transmission periods, increasing the risk of dengue in endemic regions and facilitating its spread to non-endemic areas. Understanding the interplay between critical genetic factors and dengue susceptibility is crucial for developing effective public health strategies. The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes encode proteins essential for an effective immune response against pathogens, and their genetic variations influence susceptibility to severe dengue. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of HLA alleles associated with dengue infection and dengue severity. We analysed 19 case-control studies on dengue infections in populations worldwide to infer HLA associations with various pathological forms of dengue and to examine differences across different populations. Our findings indicate that HLA-A*02 increases susceptibility to dengue fever (DF), while HLA-A*03 increases the risk of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF), with these increased susceptibilities primarily observed in Southeast Asian populations. Additionally, HLA-A*24 is associated with DHF and all symptomatic dengue infections (DEN), contributing to dengue risk in both Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Conversely, HLA-A*33 and HLA-B*44 show a protective effect against DHF but show significant regional heterogeneity, highlighting divergent, population-specific susceptibility profiles. This study underscores the importance of population-specific genetic risk assessments for dengue infection and emphasizes the need for targeted medical interventions and improved predictive models to mitigate dengue's impact, especially as climate change accelerates disease spread.

RevDate: 2025-04-30

Bai H, Xiao D, Liu L, et al (2025)

Impacts of future climate change and management practices to yield, eco-efficiency and global warming potential for rice-wheat rotation system.

Journal of the science of food and agriculture [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: The rice-wheat rotation system (RWRS) is a predominant cropping pattern in mid-eastern China, playing a crucial role in ensuring food security. However, its intensive water and fertilizer inputs contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With global climate warming, RWRS confronts the dual imperative of simultaneously enhancing productivity and eco-efficiency while significantly curtailing GHG emissions.

RESULTS: Future warming climate under most global climate models (GCMs) had adverse impacts on yield, water-use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) and GHG intensity (GHGI) of RWRS in the central and southern regions of mid-eastern China. Compared to traditional management (TM) with high water and nitrogen inputs, optimized water and nitrogen management (OM) - utilizing intermittent irrigation and a nitrogen application rate of 390 kg ha[-1] - can significantly enhance WUE and NUE while reducing GHGI, without compromising yield. Moreover, no tillage, as a conservation tillage (CT) practice could effectively mitigate the negative impacts of future climate change. The combination of OM and CT (OM + CT) can improve yield and eco-efficiency while reducing global warming potential. For RWRS with OM + CT, GHGI decreased by 45.6-60.9% under future climate scenarios compared to TM.

CONCLUSIONS: By using knowledge-based optimum management strategies, environmental risks can be reduced without sacrificing the yield of RWRS yield. This study demonstrates a useful approach with crop modelling to ensure yield for agriculture system at a lower environment cost, which can be adjusted and applied in other farming systems and regions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

RevDate: 2025-04-29

Mei J, Yong B, Lyu Y, et al (2025)

Runoff evolution responses to climate change: A case study in the headwater area of Yellow River, China.

Journal of environmental management, 384:125512 pii:S0301-4797(25)01488-4 [Epub ahead of print].

The headwater area of the Yellow River (HAYR) plays an important role in runoff generation for the entire Yellow River basin. However, the runoff patterns within this crucial source region have been experiencing significant changes over the past decades. These changes have made pronounced impacts on the inter-annual and even intra-annual distributions of runoff, especially for the unique double flood peaks (DFP; one peak appears in July and another in September). This study comprehensively demonstrated the runoff evolution in HAYR and its future projection under the background of climate change based on multi-source data analysis and hydrologic simulation. First, we used three mainstream precipitation datasets (i.e., CHM_PRE, CMFD, and TPHiPr) to drive the land surface hydrologic model (i.e., VIC) in the large-scale basin with sparse ground observation. Our simulation results show that the CHM_PRE-driven VIC exhibits the best performance in six experimental combinations. Thus, we adopted the simulation mode of CHM_PRE-driven VIC to quantify the impacts of climate change and human activities on runoff. It was found that climate change was the primary driver for the runoff reduction after the year of 1990 with a contribution of 81.14 %, while human activities only account for 18.86 %. But human activities likely have a larger impact on runoff during those dry periods. Notably, climate change has reduced the peak discharge and shifted the peak time in that, the main peak occurred earlier and the secondary peak appeared later. Subsequently, projections based on future scenarios of Global Climate Models (GCMs) suggest a declining trend in runoff, along with a noticeable periodicity, showing a cycle of approximately 40 years. Finally, the diagnosis of the significance level of flood peaks indicates that the increasing inter-annual variability and the more frequent intra-annual fluctuations will appear in the future runoff changes. This study is expected to enable basin managers to better optimize the water resource allocation and make well-informed practice decisions for the HAYR under global climate change.

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ESP Quick Facts

ESP Origins

In the early 1990's, Robert Robbins was a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where he directed the informatics core of GDB — the human gene-mapping database of the international human genome project. To share papers with colleagues around the world, he set up a small paper-sharing section on his personal web page. This small project evolved into The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

ESP Support

In 1995, Robbins became the VP/IT of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Robbins secured funding, through the ELSI component of the US Human Genome Project, to create the original ESP.ORG web site, with the formal goal of providing free, world-wide access to the literature of classical genetics.

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Although the methods of molecular biology can seem almost magical to the uninitiated, the original techniques of classical genetics are readily appreciated by one and all: cross individuals that differ in some inherited trait, collect all of the progeny, score their attributes, and propose mechanisms to explain the patterns of inheritance observed.

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In reading the early works of classical genetics, one is drawn, almost inexorably, into ever more complex models, until molecular explanations begin to seem both necessary and natural. At that point, the tools for understanding genome research are at hand. Assisting readers reach this point was the original goal of The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

ESP Usage

Usage of the site grew rapidly and has remained high. Faculty began to use the site for their assigned readings. Other on-line publishers, ranging from The New York Times to Nature referenced ESP materials in their own publications. Nobel laureates (e.g., Joshua Lederberg) regularly used the site and even wrote to suggest changes and improvements.

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When the site began, no journals were making their early content available in digital format. As a result, ESP was obliged to digitize classic literature before it could be made available. For many important papers — such as Mendel's original paper or the first genetic map — ESP had to produce entirely new typeset versions of the works, if they were to be available in a high-quality format.

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Early support from the DOE component of the Human Genome Project was critically important for getting the ESP project on a firm foundation. Since that funding ended (nearly 20 years ago), the project has been operated as a purely volunteer effort. Anyone wishing to assist in these efforts should send an email to Robbins.

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With the development of methods for adding typeset side notes to PDF files, the ESP project now plans to add annotated versions of some classical papers to its holdings. We also plan to add new reference and pedagogical material. We have already started providing regularly updated, comprehensive bibliographies to the ESP.ORG site.

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Papers in Classical Genetics

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Along with papers on classical genetics, ESP offers a collection of full-text digital books, including many works by Darwin and even a collection of poetry — Chicago Poems by Carl Sandburg.

Timelines

ESP now offers a large collection of user-selected side-by-side timelines (e.g., all science vs. all other categories, or arts and culture vs. world history), designed to provide a comparative context for appreciating world events.

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Biographical information about many key scientists (e.g., Walter Sutton).

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