Search Results (2,647)

As key components of the climate system, clouds exert a significant influence on the Earth’s radiation budget and hydrological cycle. However, studies focusing on cloud properties over Central Asia are still limited, and the impacts of cloud variability on regional temperature and precipitation remain poorly understood. This study uses reanalysis and multi-source remote sensing datasets to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of clouds and their influence on regional climate. The cloud cover increases from the southwest to the northeast, with mid and low-level clouds predominating in high-altitude regions. All clouds have shown a declining trend during 1981–2020. According to satellite data, the sharpest decline in total cloud cover occurs in summer, while reanalysis data show a more significant reduction in spring. In addition, cloud cover changes influence the local climate through radiative forcing mechanisms. Specifically, the weakening of shortwave reflective cooling and the enhancement of longwave heating of clouds collectively exacerbate surface warming. Meanwhile, precipitation is positively correlated with cloud cover, and its spatial distribution aligns with the cloud water path. The cloud phase composition in Central Asia is dominated by liquid water, accounting for over 40%, a microphysical characteristic that further impacts the regional hydrological cycle. Full article

The Brazilian Amazon is recognized worldwide for its biodiversity and it plays a key role in maintaining the regional and global climate balance. However, it has recently been greatly impacted by changes in land use, such as replacing native forests with agricultural activities. These changes have resulted in serious environmental consequences, including significant alterations to climate and hydrological cycles. This study aims to analyze changes in land use and land covered in the Brazilian Amazon between 2001 and 2023, as well as the resulting effects on precipitation variability, land surface temperature, and evapotranspiration. Data obtained via remote sensing and processed on the Google Earth Engine platform were used, including MODIS, CHIRPS, Hansen products. The results revealed significant changes: forest formation decreased by 8.55%, while agricultural land increased by 575%. Between 2016 and 2023, accumulated deforestation reached 242,689 km². Precipitation decreased, reaching minimums of 772.7 mm in 2015 and 726.4 mm in 2020. Evapotranspiration was concentrated between 941 and 1360 mm in 2020, and surface temperatures ranged between 30 °C and 34 °C in 2015, 2020, and 2023. We conclude that anthropogenic transformations in the Brazilian Amazon directly impact vegetation cover and the regional climate. Therefore, conservation and monitoring measures are essential for mitigating these effects. Full article

In recent years, large-scale linear infrastructure developments have been developed across hundreds of kilometers of permafrost regions on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The implementation of major engineering projects, including the Qinghai–Tibet Highway, oil pipelines, communication cables, and the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, has spurred intensified research into permafrost dynamics. Climate warming has accelerated permafrost degradation, leading to a range of geological hazards, most notably widespread thermokarst landslides. This study investigates the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and influencing factors of thermokarst landslides in Qinghai Province through an integrated approach combining field surveys, remote sensing interpretation, and statistical analysis. The study utilized multi-source datasets, including Landsat-8 imagery, Google Earth, GF-1, and ZY-3 satellite data, supplemented by meteorological records and geospatial information. The remote sensing interpretation identified 1208 cryogenic hazards in Qinghai’s permafrost regions, comprising 273 coarse-grained soil landslides, 346 fine-grained soil landslides, 146 thermokarst slope failures, 440 gelifluction flows, and 3 frost mounds. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of hazards in Zhiduo, Qilian, and Qumalai counties, with the Yangtze River Basin and Qilian Mountains showing the highest hazard density. Most hazards occur in seasonally frozen ground areas (3500–3900 m and 4300–4900 m elevation ranges), predominantly on north and northwest-facing slopes with gradients of 10–20°. Notably, hazard frequency decreases with increasing permafrost stability. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable development of cold-region infrastructure, environmental protection, and hazard mitigation strategies in alpine engineering projects. Full article

The fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) stands as a pivotal parameter within the Earth system, quantifying the energy exchange between vegetation and solar radiation. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for comprehensive validation studies to accurately quantify uncertainties and improve the reliability of FAPAR-based applications. This study validated five global FAPAR products, MOD15A2H, MYD15A2H, VNP15A2H, GEOV2, and GEOV3, over four boreal forest sites in North America. Qualitative quality flags (QQFs) and quantitative quality indicators (QQIs) of each product were analyzed. Time series high-resolution reference FAPAR maps were developed using the Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 dataset. The reference FAPAR maps revealed a strong agreement with the in situ FAPAR from AmeriFlux (correlation coefficient (R) = 0.91; root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.06). The results revealed that global FAPAR products show similar uncertainties (RMSE: 0.16 ± 0.04) and moderate agreement with the reference FAPAR (R = 0.75 ± 0.10). On average, 34.47 ± 6.91% of the FAPAR data met the goal requirements of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), while 54.41 ± 6.89% met the threshold requirements of the GCOS. Deciduous forests perform better than evergreen forests, and the products tend to underestimate the reference data, especially for the beginning and end of growing seasons in evergreen forests. There are no obvious quality differences at different QQFs, and the relative QQI can be used to filter high-quality values. To enhance the regional applicability of global FAPAR products, further algorithm improvements and expanded validation efforts are essential. Full article

Previous research has primarily focused on assessing seasonal mean or annual extreme climate events, whereas intraseasonal variability in extreme climate has received comparatively little attention, despite its importance for understanding short-term climate dynamics and associated risks. This study evaluates the performance of nine climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) in reproducing summer maximum temperature (Tmax) variability across China during 1979–2014, with the variability defined as the standard deviation of daily Tmax anomalies for each summer. Results show that most CMIP6 models fail to reproduce the observed north–south gradient of Tmax variability with significant regional biases and limited agreement on temporal trends. The multi-model ensemble (MME) outperforms most individual models in terms of root-mean-square error and spatial correlation, but it still under-represents the observed temporal trends, especially over southeastern and central China. Taylor diagram analysis reveals that EC-Earth3, GISS-E2-1-G, IPSL-CM6A-LR, and the MME perform relatively well in capturing the spatial characteristics of Tmax variability, whereas MIROC6 shows the poorest performance. These findings highlight the persistent limitations in simulating intraseasonal Tmax variability and underscore the need for improved model representations of regional climate dynamics over China. Full article

The Mediterranean region, identified by scientists as a ‘climate hot spot’, is experiencing warmer and drier conditions, along with an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. One such extreme phenomena is droughts. The recent wildfires in this region are a concerning consequence of this phenomenon, causing severe environmental damage and transforming natural landscapes. However, droughts involve a two-way interaction: On the one hand, climate change and various human activities, such as urbanization and deforestation, influence the development and severity of droughts. On the other hand, droughts have a significant impact on various sectors, including ecology, agriculture, and the local economy. This study investigates drought dynamics in four Mediterranean countries, Greece, France, Italy, and Spain, each of which has experienced severe wildfire events in recent years. Using satellite-based Earth observation data, we monitored drought conditions across these regions over a five-year period that includes the dates of major wildfires. To support this analysis, we derived and assessed key indices: the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI). High-resolution satellite imagery processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform enabled the spatial and temporal analysis of these indicators. Our findings reveal that, in all four study areas, peak drought conditions, as reflected in elevated NDDI values, were observed in the months leading up to wildfire outbreaks. This pattern underscores the potential of satellite-derived indices for identifying regional drought patterns and providing early signals of heightened fire risk. The application of GEE offered significant advantages, as it allows efficient handling of long-term and large-scale datasets and facilitates comprehensive spatial analysis. Our methodological framework contributes to a deeper understanding of regional drought variability and its links to extreme events; thus, it could be a valuable tool for supporting the development of adaptive management strategies. Ultimately, such approaches are vital for enhancing resilience, guiding water resource planning, and implementing early warning systems in fire-prone Mediterranean landscapes. Full article

The ecological environment is crucial for human survival and development. As ecological issues become more pressing, studying the spatiotemporal evolution of ecological quality (EQ) and its driving mechanisms is vital for sustainable development. This study, based on MODIS data from 2000 to 2022 and the Google Earth Engine platform, constructs a remote sensing ecological index for the Beibu Gulf Urban Agglomeration and analyzes its spatiotemporal evolution using Theil–Sen trend analysis, Hurst index (HI), and geographic detector. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2010, EQ improved, particularly from 2005 to 2010, with a significant increase in areas of excellent and good quality due to national policies and climate improvements. From 2010 to 2015, EQ degraded, with a sharp reduction in areas of excellent quality, likely due to urban expansion and industrial pressures. After 2015, EQ rebounded with successful governance measures. (2) The HI analysis indicates that future changes will continue the past trend, especially in areas like southeastern Chongzuo and northwestern Fangchenggang, where governance efforts were effective. (3) EQ shows a positive spatial correlation, with high-quality areas in central Nanning and Fangchenggang, and low-quality areas in Nanning and Beihai. After 2015, both high–high and low–low clusters showed changes, likely due to ecological governance measures. (4) NDBSI (dryness) is the main driver of EQ changes (q = 0.806), with significant impacts from NDVI (vegetation coverage), LST (heat), and WET (humidity). Urban expansion’s increase in impervious surfaces (NDBSI rise) and vegetation loss (NDVI decline) have a synergistic effect (q = 0.856), significantly affecting EQ. Based on these findings, it is recommended to control construction land expansion, optimize land use structure, protect ecologically sensitive areas, and enhance climate adaptation strategies to ensure continuous improvement in EQ. Full article

Change in sea level (SL) is an important indicator of global warming, since it reflects alterations in several components of the climate system at once. The main factors behind this phenomenon are the melting of glaciers and thermal expansion of ocean water, with the latter contributing about 40% to the overall rise in SL. Rising SL indirectly indicates an increase in ocean heat content and, consequently, its surface temperature. Previous studies have found that tropical sea surface temperature (SST) is critical to regulating the Earth’s climate and weather patterns in high and mid-latitudes. For this reason, SST and SL in the tropics can be considered as precursors of both global climate change and the emergence of climate anomalies in extratropical latitudes. Although SST has been used in this capacity in a number of studies, similar research regarding SL had not been conducted until recently. In this paper, we examine the links between SL in the tropical North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans and surface air temperature (SAT) at mid- and high latitudes, with the aim of assessing the potential of SL as a predictor in forecasting SAT anomalies. To identify similarities between the variability of tropical SL and SST and that of SAT in high- and mid-latitude regions, as well as to estimate possible time lags, we applied factor analysis, clustering, cross-correlation and cross-spectral analyses. The results reveal a structural similarity in the internal variability of tropical SL and extratropical SAT, along with a significant lagged relationship between them, with a time lag of several years. Full article

Background: Human activity is recognised as a major contributor to changes in Earth’s climate, land surface, oceans, ecosystems, and biodiversity. These alterations are largely due to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, mass pollution, and land degradation. In light of these environmental challenges, examining the psychological determinants of pro-environmental behaviour has become increasingly important. Study’s Aim: To provide a comprehensive model evaluating the structural relationships among biospheric values, green self-identity, green self-efficacy, and eco-anxiety to investigate the underlying mechanisms relating to the adoption of various pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Methods: An online self-report questionnaire was completed by 510 Italian participants (aged 18–55, M = 35.18, SD = 12.58) between November and December 2023. Data analysis was performed using R statistical software, employing Structural Equation Modelling. Results: The results indicate that eco-anxiety, green self-efficacy, and green self-identity are significant positive predictors of PEBs. Furthermore, green self-identity significantly influences eco-anxiety and green self-efficacy, while biospheric values are a major trigger for both green self-efficacy and green self-identity, but not for eco-anxiety. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while eco-anxiety can be an adaptive motivator for PEBs, biospheric values foster a green self-identity and self-efficacy, which in turn drive pro-environmental actions. The study concludes that encouraging biospheric values and strong green self-identity is crucial for promoting sustainable behaviours. Full article

Weathering steel (WS) is widely used in bridge construction due to its high corrosion resistance, durability, and low maintenance requirements. This paper reviews the performance of WS bridges in Canadian climates, focusing on the formation of protective patina, influencing factors, and long-term maintenance strategies. The protective patina, composed of stable iron oxyhydroxides, develops over time under favorable wet–dry cycles but can be disrupted by environmental aggressors such as chlorides, sulfur dioxide, and prolonged moisture exposure. Key alloying elements like Cu, Cr, Ni, and Nb enhance corrosion resistance, while design considerations—such as drainage optimization and avoidance of crevices—are critical for performance. The study highlights the vulnerability of WS bridges to microenvironments, including de-icing salt exposure, coastal humidity, and debris accumulation. Regular inspections and maintenance, such as debris removal, drainage system upkeep, and targeted cleaning, are essential to mitigate corrosion risks. Climate change exacerbates challenges, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification accelerating corrosion in coastal regions. Future research directions include optimizing WS compositions with advanced alloys (e.g., rare earth elements) and integrating climate-resilient design practices. This review highlights the need for a holistic approach combining material science, proactive maintenance, and adaptive design to ensure the longevity of WS bridges in evolving environmental conditions. Full article

The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, primarily due to its reliance on cement-based materials. Simultaneously, plastic bottle waste presents a significant environmental challenge. This study aims to address both issues by exploring the integration of plastic bottle waste into cob–earth materials as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete modules. The research involves testing various mixes with plastic bottles arranged in different patterns to assess their load-bearing capacity and distribution. The cob mix with bottles arranged in a modified pattern demonstrated the highest load resistance, bearing over 47.1 kN, making it suitable for prototype development. The study also investigates the potential of using cob as an exterior finishing layer, reducing the need for cement. The results show that using local earth materials significantly lowers embodied carbon, offering a more sustainable construction solution. This approach helps mitigate plastic waste and supports climate resilience by promoting low-carbon, locally sourced materials, aligning with Egypt’s national sustainability commitments. Full article

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) represents a crucial area for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and surrounding orogenic systems. This study investigates the petrology, geochronology, and geochemistry of volcanic and clastic rocks from Well HFD3 in the northern Songliao Basin, which provides key insights into the tectonic development of this region. Zircon U–Pb dating of tuff samples from the Linxi Formation provides an accurate age of 251.1 ± 1.1 Ma, corresponding to the late Permian. Geochemical analyses show that the clastic rocks are rich in SiO₂ (63.5%) and Al₂O₃ (13.7%), with lower K₂O/Na₂O ratios (0.01–1.55), suggesting low compositional maturity. Additionally, the trace element data reveal enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depletion in Nb, Sr, and Ta, with a negative Eu anomaly, which indicates a felsic volcanic arc origin. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values (53.2–65.8) reflect weak chemical weathering, consistent with cold and dry paleo-climatic conditions. These findings suggest that the Linxi Formation clastic rocks are derived from felsic volcanic arcs in an active continental margin environment, linked to the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean slab. The sedimentary conditions reflect a gradual transition from brackish to freshwater environments, corresponding with the final stages of subduction or the onset of orogeny. Full article

Muslims are religiously obligated to care for the Earth, yet little empirical research exists on how Muslim communities in the U.S. engage with climate change. This study used a mixed-methods approach to explore climate change knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among 82 Muslims in Knoxville, Tennessee, building on prior theoretical or internationally focused work. Results found that participants largely accepted anthropogenic climate change and were strongly willing to act, citing Islamic principles such as stewardship and divine accountability as key motivators. However, many felt underinformed and lacked clarity on how to take action. Religious texts, more than religious leaders, shaped environmental views, offering interpretations that both aligned with and diverged from scientific narratives. Education and personal experience were the most frequently cited sources of climate understanding. Religion emerged as an important source of climate knowledge and a filter through which scientific information was interpreted. The knowledge and environmental attitudes inspired by their religion guided many participants to mitigate climate impacts, although some expressed a more fatalistic view of climate change. These findings suggest that effective climate communication in Muslim communities should integrate faith-based teachings with scientific messaging and engage religious leaders as amplifiers. Expanding this research to include more diverse Muslim populations across the U.S. can provide deeper insight into how Islamic worldviews shape climate engagement and behavior. Full article

The subject of this research is the original project concept of the life-centered city, which focuses on the planning and design of sustainable solutions for urban landscape transformation. This concept prioritizes the well-being and needs of all life on Earth, including not only humans but also animals and their natural habitats. The aim of this article is to propose ways to implement the life-centered city concept into the strategic development policies of cities and identify sustainable urban landscape solutions that foster the creation of interspecies spaces. The research employs a comparative analysis of selected European cities, neighborhoods, and urban microspaces that are progressively adapting to climate change, addressing the needs of various users, and prioritizing the development of interspecies spaces. A detailed study focuses on the Polish city of Gliwice, which serves as a pilot example of applying the life-centered city model to local landscapes. Our findings suggest that the life-centered city concept, when effectively integrated into city development strategies and implemented within the urban fabric, can act as a proactive tool for transforming urban landscapes to better accommodate both people and nature. It supports the creation of a sustainable built environment that is inclusive, resilient, and adaptable to change. Full article

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems (traditional types such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows; emerging types such as tidal flats and mariculture) play pivotal roles in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Reliable assessment of the spatial and temporal variation and the carbon storage potential holds immense promise for mitigating climate change. Although previous field surveys and regional assessments have improved the understanding of individual habitats, most studies remain site-specific and short-term; comprehensive, multi-decadal assessments that integrate all major coastal blue carbon systems at the national scale are still scarce for China. In this study, we integrated 30 m Landsat imagery (1992–2022), processed on Google Earth Engine with a random forest classifier; province-specific, literature-derived carbon density data with quantified uncertainty (mean ± standard deviation); and the InVEST model to track coastal China’s mangroves, salt marshes, tidal flats, and mariculture to quantify their associated carbon stocks. Then the GeoDetector was applied to distinguish the natural and anthropogenic drivers of carbon stock change. Results showed rapid and divergent land use change over the past three decades, with mariculture expanded by 44%, becoming the dominant blue carbon land use; whereas tidal flats declined by 39%, mangroves and salt marshes exhibited fluctuating upward trends. National blue carbon stock rose markedly from 74 Mt C in 1992 to 194 Mt C in 2022, with Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian holding the largest provincial stock; Jiangsu and Guangdong showed higher increasing trends. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was the primary driver of spatial variability in carbon stock change (q = 0.63), followed by precipitation and temperature. Synergistic interactions were also detected, e.g., NDVI and precipitation, enhancing the effects beyond those of single factors, which indicates that a wetter climate may boost NDVI’s carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the urgency of strengthening ecological red lines, scaling climate-smart restoration of mangroves and salt marshes, and promoting low-impact mariculture. Our workflow and driver diagnostics provide a transferable template for blue carbon monitoring and evidence-based coastal management frameworks. Full article