Climate

16 pages, 612 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Drought Adaptation Under Climate Change Among Rice-Farming Households in the Northernmost Region of Thailand

by Pussadee Laor, Wanvisa Saisanan Na Ayudhaya, Sirinthip Rakjun, Pannipha Dokmaingam, Vivat Keawdounglek, Anuttara Hongtong, Weerayuth Siriratruengsuk, Krailak Fakkaew, Thitipong Sukdee and Rohmatul Fajriyah

Climate 2026, 14(8), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080170 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Rice farmers in Chiang Rai are increasingly exposed to recurrent drought under climate change. Although previous studies have applied Knowledge–Attitude–Practice (KAP) frameworks to drought adaptation, evidence on ageing farming populations and the interaction between behavioral and institutional factors remains limited. This study aimed [...] Read more.

Rice farmers in Chiang Rai are increasingly exposed to recurrent drought under climate change. Although previous studies have applied Knowledge–Attitude–Practice (KAP) frameworks to drought adaptation, evidence on ageing farming populations and the interaction between behavioral and institutional factors remains limited. This study aimed to identify behavioral and institutional factors associated with drought adaptation practices among rice-farming households. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 rice-farming households. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated through expert review (IOC) and pilot testing to assess socio-demographic characteristics and drought-related perception, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Pearson correlation and binary logistic regression were applied to examine relationships and factors associated with higher drought adaptation practices. Qualitative data from open-ended questionnaire responses regarding government support and drought management recommendations were analyzed thematically to provide contextual insights into farmers’ experiences and adaptation challenges. Farmers demonstrated high drought perception (M = 4.86 ± 1.05/5) but only moderate knowledge (16.75 ± 3.36/25), attitudes (2.77 ± 1.33/5), and practices (22.57 ± 6.04/35). Knowledge was positively associated with adaptation practices (r = 0.224, p < 0.01), whereas perception showed no significant direct association, indicating a gap between awareness and adaptive action. Regression analysis showed that higher drought-related knowledge (aOR = 4.60, p = 0.003) and prior water scarcity experience (aOR = 4.45, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher drought adaptation practices. In contrast, older age, male gender, and off-farm employment were significant constraints. Qualitative findings highlighted persistent concerns regarding the adequacy, timeliness, and equity of government support, suggesting that institutional barriers limited farmers’ ability to translate awareness into adaptive action. These findings indicate that both behavioral and structural factors shape drought adaptation practices. While drought-related knowledge represents an important component of adaptive capacity, effective adaptation also depends on institutional support and resource accessibility. Strengthening agricultural extension services and improving the responsiveness and equity of government support may enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of smallholder rice farmers in drought-prone regions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2321 KB

Open AccessArticle

Between Individual Belief and National Context: Relative Positioning and Expectations of Collective Climate Action in Europe

by João Carlos de Sousa and Luísa Schmidt

Climate 2026, 14(8), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080169 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Expectations regarding collective climate action are multidimensional and should be understood in relation to the social contexts in which they are embedded. This study examines whether these expectations are associated with the country-level average belief in the anthropogenic origin of climate change and [...] Read more.

Expectations regarding collective climate action are multidimensional and should be understood in relation to the social contexts in which they are embedded. This study examines whether these expectations are associated with the country-level average belief in the anthropogenic origin of climate change and with individuals’ deviation from that average. Drawing on Round 10 of the European Social Survey, the analysis utilizes 24,014 valid cases from 29 European countries. It estimates Complex Samples General Linear Models (CSGLM) to account for the complex sampling design. The results show that the country-level average belief in the anthropogenic origin of climate change is positively associated with expectations of collective climate action; that is, countries with a higher average belief exhibit higher expectations of collective climate action. Conversely, individuals whose belief in the anthropogenic origin of climate change exceeds the respective country-level average tend to express lower expectations of collective climate action. This negative association becomes stronger at higher levels of climate worry and is attenuated as ideological positioning moves towards the right; in contrast, trust in scientists does not have a significant moderating effect. Overall, the findings support a socially contextualized understanding of expectations of collective climate action, in which both national belief contexts and individuals’ relative positioning within those contexts are relevant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Policy, Governance, and Social Equity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5877 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change Impacts on Agroforestry Suitability in the Amazon: CMIP6-Based Projections for Theobroma grandiflorum

by Waléria Pereira Monteiro Corrêa, Leonardo de Sousa Miranda, Luciano Jorge Serejo dos Anjos, Thaiane Soeiro da Silva Dias, José Felipe Gazel Menezes and Everaldo Barreiros de Souza

Climate 2026, 14(8), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080168 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Climate change is expected to significantly alter surface air temperature and precipitation regimes across the Amazon Basin, with direct implications for agroforestry systems and climate-sensitive perennial crops. This study projects the impacts of anthropogenic global warming on the habitat suitability of Theobroma grandiflorum [...] Read more.

Climate change is expected to significantly alter surface air temperature and precipitation regimes across the Amazon Basin, with direct implications for agroforestry systems and climate-sensitive perennial crops. This study projects the impacts of anthropogenic global warming on the habitat suitability of Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuaçu), a keystone species for Amazonian agroforestry, local livelihoods, and the bioeconomy. Using an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) framework, we applied multiple algorithms and two CMIP6 global climate models (BCC-CSM2-MR and MIROC6) under the SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios for the near-future (2021–2040) and far-future (2061–2080). Contrary to the range contractions projected for many Amazonian endemics, our ensemble projections reveal a consistent trend of expanding climatically suitable area, primarily into adjacent ecological transition zones. This expansion is driven largely by basin-wide increases in mean annual temperature, the most influential predictor in our modeling study. Quantitatively, we project a net habitat expansion of 32.2% (415,114 km²) under high-concordance future scenarios. A core climate refuge of 955,570 km², representing 74.2% of the current suitable range, is identified as a high priority for in situ conservation. Conversely, approximately 25.8% of the current range (331,919 km²) may become climatically unsuitable, particularly in parts of the western Amazon. These findings suggest that reducing thermal constraints in currently marginal areas could open opportunities for integrating cupuaçu into climate-resilient agroforestry systems beyond its present distribution. Such heterogeneous responses of Amazonian agroforestry species to climate change highlight the importance of incorporating species-specific climate sensitivities into adaptation planning, land-use strategies, and climate-resilient bioeconomy policies under future warming scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Risk in Agriculture, Analysis, Modeling and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

46 pages, 6895 KB

Open AccessReview

Mediterranean Ornamental Horticulture Under Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation Strategies—A Systematic Review

by Emmanouela Kamperi, Apostolos-Emmanouil Bazanis and Konstantinos Bertsouklis

Climate 2026, 14(8), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080167 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Climate change increasingly threatens Mediterranean ornamental horticulture and green infrastructure through elevated temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, soil salinity, and more frequent extreme weather events. As a result, plant growth, phenology and landscape sustainability are significantly affected. This systematic review aimed to identify and [...] Read more.

Climate change increasingly threatens Mediterranean ornamental horticulture and green infrastructure through elevated temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, soil salinity, and more frequent extreme weather events. As a result, plant growth, phenology and landscape sustainability are significantly affected. This systematic review aimed to identify and qualitatively synthesize the available evidence on the responses of ornamental plants and their production and end use systems to climate-related stress, with emphasis on Mediterranean native species and their potential contribution to climate-resilient landscaping. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. An adapted Population–Exposure–Outcome framework was used to operationalize the overarching review question and guide eligibility assessment. Scopus and the Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched for peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 1 January 2001 and 31 May 2026. Eligible publications examined ornamental plants, floricultural species, or native and endemic taxa with potential ornamental or landscape use and addressed climate-related stressors, plant resilience, adaptation strategies, cultivation or propagation practices, green-infrastructure applications, or related ecological trade-offs in Mediterranean-relevant contexts. Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts, and full texts using predefined eligibility criteria. The review used a structured qualitative narrative synthesis organized into thematic domains to systematically identify, select, and synthesize the available evidence. Meta-analysis was not undertaken because of substantial heterogeneity in plant material, environmental stressors, study designs, and reported outcomes. A total of ninety studies were included and organized into five domains: climate stress and plant responses (n = 14), native Mediterranean ornamental species (n = 21), adaptation and resilience strategies (n = 16), urban landscaping and green infrastructure (n = 25), and ecological risks and invasive species (n = 14). The review revealed that several native Mediterranean plants possess morphological, physiological, or ecological characteristics associated with tolerance to drought, salinity, and other climate-related stresses, supporting their potential use in sustainable ornamental horticulture. Water-efficient irrigation, alternative water sources and substrates, nursery preconditioning, non-microbial biostimulants, and genotype or physiological screening showed adaptation potential, but their effectiveness depended on species, genotype, intervention intensity, and application context. Evidence remained limited for compound stresses, combined interventions, nursery-to-landscape transfer, long-term field performance, commercial scalability, and environmental trade-offs. Overall, climate-resilient ornamental horticulture requires the integration of plant selection, propagation, production, controlled stress screening, landscape validation, and ecological-risk assessment. This review proposes an evidence-to-application framework to support research, nursery production, landscape planning, and the responsible deployment of climate-adapted ornamental plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Variability in the Mediterranean Region (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 5771 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Changes in Thickness Temperature of the Lower Atmosphere Calculated from Air Pressure Data in the Central Mountain Region, Japan

by Fumiaki Fujibe

Climate 2026, 14(8), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080166 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Changes in the thickness temperature (TT) of the lower atmosphere from 1961 to 2025 were investigated using air pressure data from eight stations in the Central Mountain region of Japan. The stations were located at elevations ranging from 400 m to 1300 m [...] Read more.

Changes in the thickness temperature (TT) of the lower atmosphere from 1961 to 2025 were investigated using air pressure data from eight stations in the Central Mountain region of Japan. The stations were located at elevations ranging from 400 m to 1300 m above sea level. The average linear trend in TT at these stations was 0.25 °C per decade, which was close to the air temperature trend at non-urban stations in the surrounding coastal areas. Despite the presence of some divergence in TT trends across the stations, TT is expected to serve as a complementary index for climate change research, since concerns about spatial representativeness and temporal homogeneity exist in air temperature data. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 4028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of CMIP6 GCMs in Representing Extreme Precipitation in Peru (1981–2014)

by Gustavo De la Cruz, Eduardo Chávarri-Velarde and Waldo Lavado-Casimiro

Climate 2026, 14(8), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080165 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Extreme climate events, particularly precipitation extremes, pose significant risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, and socio-economic systems globally. In Peru, the diversity of its climate, driven by its complex topography, makes it highly vulnerable to such events, especially in the Andes and Amazon regions. This [...] Read more.

Extreme climate events, particularly precipitation extremes, pose significant risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, and socio-economic systems globally. In Peru, the diversity of its climate, driven by its complex topography, makes it highly vulnerable to such events, especially in the Andes and Amazon regions. This study evaluates the performance of 25 CMIP6 GCMs in simulating extreme precipitation events during both the wet and dry seasons at the national level. Gridded precipitation data from the PISCO product and CMIP6 model simulations for the period 1981–2014 were used to estimate extreme precipitation indices, including Rx1day, Rx5day, SDII, CDD, CWD, R10mm, and PRCPTOT. Performance was assessed using statistical metrics such as PBIAS, NRMSE, and the Pattern Correlation Coefficient (PCC), integrated through a TOPSIS ranking. Results indicate that NorESM2-MM, MPI-ESM1-2-LR, and CESM2 exhibit the best performance, achieving TOPSIS scores above 0.8. These models show high spatial correlation (PCC frequently >0.8) and relatively low biases. In contrast, models like FGOALS-g3 and CanESM5 show significant limitations, with PBIAS exceeding 80% in Rx1day and Rx5day and TOPSIS scores below 0.5. The ensemble reveals a persistent ‘drizzle bias,’ with wet day frequency (R1mm) generally overestimated by 20–40% in the wet season and by 40–80% during the dry season across most CMIP6 models. Furthermore, indices of temporal persistence (CWD and CDD) remain the most challenging, with CWD overestimations often exceeding 100–200%. These findings highlight the critical need for statistical or dynamical downscaling, together with bias correction, before using CMIP6 projections for local adaptation strategies in the Andes and Amazon regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate Dynamics and Modelling)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 1271 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Health Impacts of Extreme Heat Events in Disadvantaged Urban Communities Across Africa: A Systematic Review

by Koffi Evrard Brou, Yao Etienne Kouakou, Brama Koné, Iba Dieudonné Dely, Madina Doumbia, Aristide Gountôh Douagui, Stanley Luchters, Matthew Francis Chersich and Guéladio Cissé

Climate 2026, 14(8), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080164 - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Extreme heat events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. However, evidence from disadvantaged urban settings in Africa remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing research on the health impacts of extreme heat in Africa’s disadvantaged urban [...] Read more.

Extreme heat events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. However, evidence from disadvantaged urban settings in Africa remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing research on the health impacts of extreme heat in Africa’s disadvantaged urban communities. A systematic literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across eleven databases (PubMed, Cochrane, VHL, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Research4Life, DOAJ, Emerald, Taylor & Francis, Annual Reviews, and IRIS), carried out over two search periods (December 2023–March 2024 and December 2024–February 2025). Eligible studies were published between 2010 and 2024 in English, French, or Portuguese, and examined direct or indirect heat-health effects in disadvantaged urban settings. Screening of 96,608 titles and 59 abstracts yielded 21 eligible studies. Geographically, the evidence was concentrated in South Africa (n = 7), Kenya (n = 6), and Tanzania (n = 4), with single studies from Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana. Heat-related morbidity was examined in 17 studies and mortality in four. Commonly reported conditions included dehydration, heat exhaustion, skin rashes, heatstroke, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Extreme heat was further associated with mortality from non-communicable diseases, pneumonia, and acute respiratory infections. Children, older adults, and the most economically deprived communities exhibited heightened vulnerability, driven by adverse socioeconomic and environmental conditions. The available evidence confirms substantial heat-health impacts on disadvantaged urban populations across Africa, while revealing a notable research gap in French- and Portuguese-language literature. These findings underscore the urgent need for expanded, geographically and linguistically diverse research to inform climate adaptation strategies and health protection policies. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 7721 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Hotspot Analysis of Dry–Wet Abrupt Alternations in Greece

by Evangelos Leivadiotis, Aris Psilovikos and Mohamed Elhag

Climate 2026, 14(8), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080163 - 11 Aug 2026

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change has disrupted the global hydrological cycle, increasing compound extreme events like Dry–Wet Abrupt Alternations (DWAAs). Regarding the Mediterranean Basin, Greece is highly susceptible to these abrupt hydroclimatic shifts, which frequently overwhelm reactive disaster management. This study quantifies the spatiotemporal dynamics [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic climate change has disrupted the global hydrological cycle, increasing compound extreme events like Dry–Wet Abrupt Alternations (DWAAs). Regarding the Mediterranean Basin, Greece is highly susceptible to these abrupt hydroclimatic shifts, which frequently overwhelm reactive disaster management. This study quantifies the spatiotemporal dynamics of DWAA events across Greece from 1990 to 2024. Using the 1-month Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI-1) from ERA5 reanalysis, transitions were classified into dry-to-wet (DW) and wet-to-dry (WD) across moderate (±1.0), severe (±1.5), and extreme (±2.0) thresholds. Core physical metrics (duration, severity, and intensity) were evaluated using Anselin Local Moran’s I (LISA) and Mann–Kendall tests to identify spatial hotspots and temporal trends. Results revealed a spatially decoupled hazard regime dictated by topography and atmospheric mechanics. Severe DW transitions primarily manifest as intense autumn flash floods (62.7%) concentrated in western and southern districts. Conversely, severe WD transitions emerge as high-magnitude summer agricultural flash droughts (52.5%) clustered in central and northern continental plains. Crucially, while the magnitudes of these events demonstrate historical temporal stationarity, their decadal frequency doubled in the 2020s. This increase validates the idea that global warming accelerates systemic climate extremes, necessitating an urgent shift toward proactive, highly localized adaptation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Variability in the Mediterranean Region (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1905 KB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Surface Temperature Biases in Regional Climate Models over Complex Orography: A Physically Grounded Diagnosis

by Dario B. Giaiotti and Francesca Zarabara

Climate 2026, 14(8), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080162 - 10 Aug 2026

Abstract

Regional climate models (RCMs) remain affected by limited spatial resolution and systematic biases relative to observations, posing a major challenge for the provision of actionable climate information at the local scale. Bridging the gap between coarse, biased model outputs and site-specific climate needs [...] Read more.

Regional climate models (RCMs) remain affected by limited spatial resolution and systematic biases relative to observations, posing a major challenge for the provision of actionable climate information at the local scale. Bridging the gap between coarse, biased model outputs and site-specific climate needs is therefore both urgent and an active area of research. Here, we present a diagnosis of near-surface air temperature biases, based on the vertical structure of the atmospheric column, in an ensemble of EURO-CORDEX simulations over a complex Alpine region. We show how the conventional and commonly applied temperature bias correction, aimed at removing the discrepancy between the model representation of orography and the actual terrain elevation, still leaves biases of a magnitude comparable to or even greater than the applied correction. After the orographic correction, residual biases originate from both free-atmosphere temperature biases and low-level biases. Each contribution to the TAS bias is quantified through an inter-model seasonal analysis. This study highlights the limitations of RCMs in representing complex orography and boundary-layer conditions in Alpine regions. It also provides interpretative keys for a better understanding of the underlying site-specific physical causes of TAS biases and cautions against the potential pitfalls of a straightforward application of bias-correction methods. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 47764 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interannual Variability of Coastal Upwelling in the Lakshadweep Sea Using a Two-Step Data-Assimilative Ocean Model and a New Strength of Upwelling Index

by Georgy I. Shapiro and Mohammed Salim

Climate 2026, 14(8), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080161 - 7 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines interannual variability of coastal upwelling in the Lakshadweep Sea (2015–2020) using a high-resolution (1/20°) NEMO model within a novel two-step data assimilation framework. Pre-monsoon conditions show limited interannual differences, whereas the mature monsoon phase reveals substantial variability in the spatial [...] Read more.

This study examines interannual variability of coastal upwelling in the Lakshadweep Sea (2015–2020) using a high-resolution (1/20°) NEMO model within a novel two-step data assimilation framework. Pre-monsoon conditions show limited interannual differences, whereas the mature monsoon phase reveals substantial variability in the spatial extent and persistence of cold, dense upwelled waters within the euphotic zone. The strongest upwelling occurred in 2016 and 2018, with weaker conditions in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The new Strength of Upwelling (SoU) index, defined as the temporal integral of the area occupied by waters colder than a specific threshold (26 °C in this case) within a coastal band, quantifies upwelling intensity and duration directly from modelled hydrographic fields. Subsurface metrics at 14 m depth provide clearer interannual discrimination than surface indicators alone. Latitudinal analysis reveals spatial heterogeneity in upwelling intensity, suggesting that local processes modulate large-scale monsoon forcing. Ultimately, the SoU index offers a new physically based tool for assessing upwelling variability relevant to ecosystem dynamics and fisheries management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Data Assimilation for Weather and Climate Prediction)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 40835 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Adaptation and Economic Perspectives on Anti-Hail Net Adoption in Apple Orchards: An Exploratory Case Study in Southern Brazil

by Danielle Elis Garcia Furuya, Édson Luis Bolfe, Victória Beatriz Soares, Franco da Silveira, Jayme Garcia Arnal Barbedo and Luciano Gebler

Climate 2026, 14(8), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080160 - 6 Aug 2026

Abstract

Hail events represent a major source of economic risk in apple production, leading to significant losses in yield and marketable output. Although anti-hail net systems are increasingly adopted as a mitigation strategy, evidence on their economic viability remains limited, especially in emerging regions. [...] Read more.

Hail events represent a major source of economic risk in apple production, leading to significant losses in yield and marketable output. Although anti-hail net systems are increasingly adopted as a mitigation strategy, evidence on their economic viability remains limited, especially in emerging regions. This study examines the economic dimensions of anti-hail net adoption in apple orchards in Vacaria, southern Brazil, by integrating remote sensing data, official loss records, and producer interviews. Multitemporal Sentinel-2 imagery was used to map the expansion of net-covered areas between 2016 and 2026. Economic loss data from eight recorded hail events, obtained from official government sources, were analyzed, along with apple area and production data. Exploratory interviews provided insights into installation costs, production losses, and perceived benefits. Results indicate a clear expansion of anti-hail nets associated with substantial hail losses. Producers reported pre-adoption losses of 30–90%, installation costs of Brazilian Real (BRL) 40,000–55,000 per hectare, and estimated payback periods of 3–4 years. These findings highlight the value of integrating remote sensing, official disaster records, and producer knowledge to support exploratory climate adaptation and economic assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation and Resilience Economics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2491 KB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship Between the Urban Microclimate and Active Travel at the Neighbourhood and Street Scale: A Systematic Review of Current Research and Methodologies

by Anja Pejović and Riccardo Pollo

Climate 2026, 14(8), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080159 - 6 Aug 2026

Abstract

To mitigate the health and environmental risks of urbanisation and the urban heat island effect, urban planning is shifting towards promoting active mobility. The success of these efforts largely depends on understanding people’s thermal comfort on the move, driving research towards the investigation [...] Read more.

To mitigate the health and environmental risks of urbanisation and the urban heat island effect, urban planning is shifting towards promoting active mobility. The success of these efforts largely depends on understanding people’s thermal comfort on the move, driving research towards the investigation of the complex interdependencies between microclimatic conditions and the real-time experiences of pedestrians and cyclists. This literature review aims to present the state of the art of research at the neighbourhood and street levels by analysing the methodological frameworks employed and the outcomes achieved. The paper adopts a thematic clustering approach, grouping the articles on the basis of their research objectives, methodologies and the relationships between active mobility and comfort. The literature review highlights a shift from static to dynamic comfort assessments and a focus on active travel as a continuous experience rather than the sum of stationary moments. The primary findings include the consolidation of the thermal walk methodology and the emergence of cumulative stress indices. Evidence from heat stress contexts suggests that pedestrians prefer thermal diversity, which causes thermal alliesthesia, over monotonous conditions. The research highlights the role of heat stress as a barrier to walkability in hot and temperate climates, causing route deviations and lower walking speeds, with the opposite pattern in severely cold settings. This review identifies several research gaps, including a lack of standardised dynamic assessment methods, low generalisability and transferability of the results, and insufficient investigation of cyclists’ dynamic comfort compared with that of pedestrians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban Futures in a Changing Climate)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 9802 KB

Open AccessReview

From Global Hydroclimatic Signals to Local Water-Resources Adaptation: A Critical Review of Detection, Attribution, and Scale-Dependent Evidence

by Nektarios N. Kourgialas

Climate 2026, 14(8), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080158 - 5 Aug 2026

Abstract

Hydroclimatic evidence is often carried too directly from global-scale attribution studies into local water-resources decisions, despite important differences among variables, methods, and spatial scales. This critical narrative review examines how climate variability, statistical trends, detection, attribution, non-stationarity, and risk should be distinguished when [...] Read more.

Hydroclimatic evidence is often carried too directly from global-scale attribution studies into local water-resources decisions, despite important differences among variables, methods, and spatial scales. This critical narrative review examines how climate variability, statistical trends, detection, attribution, non-stationarity, and risk should be distinguished when interpreting changes in precipitation, drought, streamflow, floods, groundwater, and water availability. The review compares global assessments, Mediterranean studies, and selected local examples to clarify what each line of evidence can—and cannot—support in adaptation planning. Human influence on global warming is unequivocal, and increases in atmospheric evaporative demand are well supported across many regions; anthropogenic influence has also been detected in several large-scale water-cycle responses. Historical changes in precipitation, river flooding, groundwater, and local drought remain spatially heterogeneous because internal variability interacts with circulation, storage, landscape properties, abstraction, infrastructure, and demand. Statistically significant trends do not by themselves establish hydrological importance or causation, while non-significant local trends do not imply an absence of operational risk. On this basis, the review proposes a scale-aware way of matching hydroclimatic evidence with system vulnerability and the degree of commitment involved in adaptation. Low-regret and adjustable measures can address current vulnerabilities under uncertainty, whereas costly, long-lived, or difficult-to-reverse interventions require stronger local evidence and stress testing across plausible futures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Water and Soil Management Towards Climate Change Adaptation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 37411 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cooler Taxiways and Shoulders: Potential Improvements in On-the-Ground Aircraft Performance

by Haider Taha

Climate 2026, 14(8), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080157 - 31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Many airports now consider implementing urban-cooling measures as proven strategies to reduce energy use and improve environmental conditions. Studies have also shown that reflective surfaces on roofs and grounds can have beneficial effects on thermal environment and airport workers’ productivity. To date, no [...] Read more.

Many airports now consider implementing urban-cooling measures as proven strategies to reduce energy use and improve environmental conditions. Studies have also shown that reflective surfaces on roofs and grounds can have beneficial effects on thermal environment and airport workers’ productivity. To date, no studies have been undertaken to specifically assess whether any effects on aircraft performance would also result from implementing these measures. In this exploratory study, high-resolution micrometeorological modeling and remote-sensing analysis were undertaken to quantify the potential reductions in fuel use and, thus, emissions from aircraft taxiing on cooler surfaces. The results suggest small but non-zero benefits in terms of emissions and takeoff-roll distances. Using the Dallas–Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) as a case study and Boeing 737 aircraft type as an example, it is found that if taxiways and shoulders albedo is increased to 0.35, an average of 2.3 kg CO₂ can be saved per single taxi-out or taxi-in operation around midday and about 1.5 kg CO₂ earlier in the morning or later in the evening. It is also found that even though runways albedo remains unchanged, cooler air advected over runways from modified taxiways can reduce the takeoff-roll distance by an average of 3% around midday that tapers off to an average of 1% early in the morning or late evening. Indeed, these are small effects per single taxi-in or taxi-out operation but when scaled by some 2000 arrivals and departures per day at DFW, saving 4000–5000 kg CO₂ per day, and if further scaled by the number of eligible airports, the impacts become significant. Furthermore, the effects reported here are from taxiway and shoulder modifications alone; if combined with the effects from cool roofs and other cool ground surfaces at terminals, tarmacs, ramps, and parking areas, the benefits will add up significantly. Limitations in this study, that would be addressed in future work, include simplifying assumptions regarding aircraft-engine performance, specifications, and aircraft types mix and operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Implementation of Urban Heat Mitigation Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2022 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Prolonged Drought on Water-Dependent Tourism in Chile: An Integrated Hydro-Climatic and Economic Assessment

by Carolina Rodríguez, Jennyfer Serrano and Eduardo Leiva

Climate 2026, 14(8), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080156 - 28 Jul 2026

Abstract

Prolonged drought in Chile has imposed increasing pressures on water-dependent tourism activities, although its effects have been assessed only fragmentarily and rarely linked to tourism-relevant indicators. This study provides an integrated hydro-climatic and economic assessment of drought impacts on two tourism categories especially [...] Read more.

Prolonged drought in Chile has imposed increasing pressures on water-dependent tourism activities, although its effects have been assessed only fragmentarily and rarely linked to tourism-relevant indicators. This study provides an integrated hydro-climatic and economic assessment of drought impacts on two tourism categories especially sensitive to water availability: snow and mountain tourism, and tourism related to water bodies and watercourses. For this purpose, time series of snow cover, streamflow, precipitation, and water quality were analyzed for 2000–2024, complemented by sectoral statistics and indirect indicators of economic impact. Trend analyses used linear regression, the Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope, Pettitt change-point detection, and Spearman correlations between hydroclimatic variables and tourism proxies. Results show a significant decline in snow cover across most of northern and central Chile, with strong signals in basins critical for winter tourism and a common temporal break in 2009. Widespread streamflow reductions were also detected in rivers from central, southern, and Patagonian Chile, although with differing magnitude and timing. In contrast, water-quality changes were limited and spatially heterogeneous. In the ski sector, reduced snow accumulation was associated with shorter ski seasons, fewer skier-days, and lower direct employment. For rafting, declining streamflow was associated with reduced hydrological suitability, indicating less favorable potential operating conditions. Overall, drought affects tourism significantly but unevenly, depending on geography, hydrological regime, activity type, and data availability. The proposed integrated assessment helps identify differentiated drought-impact pathways and supports more climate-resilient tourism management. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1111 KB

Open AccessArticle

by Nurul Amalina Khairul Hasni, Nadia Mohamad, Raheel Nazakat, Imanul Hassan Abdul Shukor, Sharifah Mazrah Sayed Mohamed Zain, Siti Aishah Rashid, Noraishah Mohammad Sham, Nik Muhammad Nizam Nik Hassan, Mohamad Iqbal Mazeli, Mohd Redzuan Zainudin, Thahirahtul Asma’ Zakaria and Rohaida Ismail

Climate 2026, 14(8), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080155 - 28 Jul 2026

Abstract

Climate-related hazards are occurring with increasing frequency, resulting in notable disruptions to healthcare systems. In Malaysia, healthcare facilities are particularly impacted by flooding and heatwaves, which can occur annually across some regions. Despite these recurrent challenges, there remains limited availability of a standardized [...] Read more.

Climate-related hazards are occurring with increasing frequency, resulting in notable disruptions to healthcare systems. In Malaysia, healthcare facilities are particularly impacted by flooding and heatwaves, which can occur annually across some regions. Despite these recurrent challenges, there remains limited availability of a standardized tool to systematically assess healthcare facility (HCF) vulnerability to climate hazards. This study aimed to develop, validate and conduct a field testing of the Vulnerability Index Tool for Assessing Levels of Climate Resilience in Healthcare Facilities (VITAL-HCF) for facility-level assessment in Malaysia. The VITAL-HCF was developed through extensive literature review, experts consultations, and adaptation of the World Health Organization (WHO) healthcare facility vulnerability checklist. The tool underwent forward and backward translation to ensure linguistic and contextual equivalence, followed by content and face validation by subject-matter experts in climate and healthcare professionals. Subsequently, field testing was performed in three government healthcare facilities to assess the clarity, applicability, and feasibility of administration to ensure accurate responses representing facility-level capacity and vulnerability. The healthcare facility vulnerability index (HCFVI) for heatwaves and flooding was then calculated for each facility. Revised Scale-Level Content Validity Indices (S-CVI/Ave) varied across the exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity domains (0.93–1.00). Items with a content validity index < 0.83 were either removed or revised and reorganized to improve relevance. Face validation showed good clarity with S-FVI/Ave ≥ 0.87. The final tool comprised 12 exposure, 11 sensitivity, and 181 adaptive capacity indicators. Field testing showed that a facilitated, multidisciplinary group approach among key respondents was feasible and timely. Facility A, located in an urban setting, had high vulnerability for hot weather and heatwaves (HCFVI = 0.51), while facilities B and C recorded moderate vulnerability. Both Facilities A and B recorded moderate vulnerability for floods, while Facility C, a hospital in an urban setting, had low vulnerability (HCFVI = 0.23). The VITAL-HCF demonstrated satisfactory content validity, face validity, and feasibility for assessing climate-related vulnerability in HCFs. The tool incorporates key vulnerability components of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, providing a structured approach for the systematic assessment of climate-related vulnerability in healthcare facilities to support targeted preparedness and resilience planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate, Health and Cities: Building Aspects for a Resilient Future)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 24222 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Resolution Climatology of Near-Surface Wind over Greece (1991–2020) Based on a Regional Reanalysis

by Ioannis Masloumidis, Antonios Bezes, Konstantinos Lagouvardos, Ioannis Koletsis, Vassiliki Kotroni, Christos J. Lolis, Silvio Davolio and Andrea Buzzi

Climate 2026, 14(8), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080154 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Wind influences human activities both directly and indirectly. Directly, it affects, among others, transportation and wind energy systems through its direction and intensity, while extreme wind events can cause severe damage to infrastructure and buildings and even casualties. Indirectly, the movement of air [...] Read more.

Wind influences human activities both directly and indirectly. Directly, it affects, among others, transportation and wind energy systems through its direction and intensity, while extreme wind events can cause severe damage to infrastructure and buildings and even casualties. Indirectly, the movement of air masses is strictly associated with all meteorological phenomena, highlighting the crucial role of wind in shaping weather conditions. In the context of climate change, anomalies in global and regional circulation patterns modify the characteristics of surface winds. Consequently, investigating long-term wind variability and trends is essential for assessing climate change impacts on the environment and society. The climatology of near-surface (10 m) winds over Greece for the period 1991–2020 is examined using a high-resolution regional reanalysis dataset, focusing on the mean wind speed, mean daily maximum wind gust, and the frequency of strong-wind days. The results reveal substantial spatial and temporal variability, with the most pronounced upward trends of these parameters observed over the Aegean Sea and northeastern Greece. Statistically significant trends are detected mainly during winter and summer. In particular, January and August exhibit the strongest positive trends, locally exceeding 0.05 m s⁻¹ per year for mean wind speed and 0.1 m s⁻¹ per year for mean daily maximum wind gust. Moreover, the frequency of strong-wind days increases in several regions with local trends exceeding 0.2 days per year. These findings highlight the value of high-resolution regional reanalyses for characterizing near-surface wind variability and trends over areas of complex terrain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate and Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 10448 KB

Open AccessArticle

Centennial Temperature Variability in Semiarid La Rioja, Northwestern Argentina: Insights from Historical and Modern Daily Records

by Susan. G. Lakkis, Mariana Barrucand, Adrián. E. Yuchechen and Pablo. O. Canziani

Climate 2026, 14(8), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14080153 - 24 Jul 2026

Abstract

A 117-year daily temperature record (1903–2019) from La Rioja, Argentina, is constructed and homogenised by combining rescued historical observations from the archives of the Oficina Meteorológica Argentina (1903–1940) with modern operational data from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (1941–2019). Analysing such extensive historical records [...] Read more.

A 117-year daily temperature record (1903–2019) from La Rioja, Argentina, is constructed and homogenised by combining rescued historical observations from the archives of the Oficina Meteorológica Argentina (1903–1940) with modern operational data from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (1941–2019). Analysing such extensive historical records is essential for identifying long-term temperature trends and for understanding recent changes within the context of the climate system’s natural variability. This record is then examined to characterise centennial trends, multidecadal variability, extreme temperature events, and the association with major modes of Pacific and Atlantic oceanic variability. Over the full period, no significant trends were found in the maximum (Tmax) or minimum (Tmin) temperature series or in the diurnal temperature range (DTR). Since the mean series show no significant trend, the dominant pattern of variability was characterised through Lomb–Scargle spectra of the daily anomaly series, which revealed dominant multidecadal peaks of ~37 years for Tmax and DTR and around 27 years for Tmin. Cross-correlation with the oceanic indices shows that Tmin is weakly but consistently associated with two of the considered tropical Pacific indices, while Tmax appears to be decoupled from the four considered modes. The frequency of warm days declines significantly, at −3.82% per century, despite the stationary Tmax mean, indicating a contraction of the upper tail of the daytime distribution. A pronounced day–night asymmetry runs through all diagnostics. The findings illustrate the importance of complementing linear trend analysis with spectral diagnostics in records exhibiting strong multidecadal variability and contribute a long-term reference for a previously underexplored semiarid station. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Importance of Long Climate Records (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 6582 KB

Open AccessArticle

Kilometre-Scale Climate Projections for Nicosia: Dynamical and Machine Learning Downscaling to Detect Future Intra-Urban Heat Hotspots

by Konstantina Koutroumanou-Kontosi, Panos Hadjinicolaou, Constantinos Cartalis and Jos Lelieveld

Climate 2026, 14(7), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14070152 - 21 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of machine learning-based statistical downscaling to generate high-resolution (1 km) urban climate projections over Nicosia, Cyprus. A dynamical and a hybrid dynamical–statistical framework was applied to CMIP6 data under the SSP2-4.5 scenario to assess mid-twenty-first-century summer thermal conditions, [...] Read more.

This study investigates the potential of machine learning-based statistical downscaling to generate high-resolution (1 km) urban climate projections over Nicosia, Cyprus. A dynamical and a hybrid dynamical–statistical framework was applied to CMIP6 data under the SSP2-4.5 scenario to assess mid-twenty-first-century summer thermal conditions, focusing on daily maximum (T2max) and minimum (T2min) 2 m air temperature. The WRF model was used to dynamically downscale ERA5 reanalysis data to produce reference datasets for training three statistical models of increasing complexity: Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). All models successfully reproduced the spatial temperature patterns simulated by WRF, with the CNN achieving the best performance and improved spatial consistency. Evaluation against observations confirmed that the statistical models capture daily maximum and minimum temperature variability with accuracy comparable to the dynamical model. Both the WRF model and the trained statistical models were subsequently applied to CMIP6-driven predictors to produce high-resolution projections. Results indicate pronounced summer warming over Nicosia by mid-century (1.9 °C for T2max and 1.1 °C for T2min), with strong spatial heterogeneity and intensified heat hotspots in compact urban areas (LCZ 3). These findings highlight the value of integrating dynamical and machine learning approaches for efficient urban-scale climate assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Urban Climate Improvement and Spatial Pattern Optimization Under a Multi-Objective Orientation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Description

Climate

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI