Search Results (50,799)

The vulnerability of many Pacific communities is impacted by rising sea levels and exposure to extreme weather patterns. This qualitative research study was conducted with focus groups of Māori and Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am a Pacific researcher, and I examine research and report on findings from Pacific youth focus groups. Employing a Talanoa methodology, a key question posed was how educators in Aotearoa New Zealand supported the wellbeing of Pacific youth in the face of increasing climate extremes within their schools and communities. Engaging a Pacific values framework, this discussion emphasizes the critical role of teachers and education in eliminating concerns, working collectively, listening respectfully, and collaborating with Pacific youth in confronting the complexity of issues surrounding climate change, thereby creating a shift from a position of despair and helplessness to a place of hope and optimism. Findings from the study reveal that, in the education sector, climate change is not well addressed, teachers could do more to acknowledge and address climate crises faced in the Pacific region in the curriculum, and little attention is paid to the wellbeing of Pacific youth facing climate change in the Pacific. An implication is that teachers need to support Pacific youth and understand that education about climatic variance affects Pacific learners’ wellbeing. Full article

Silicon is increasingly applied in agriculture to improve plant productivity under both abiotic and biotic stress constraints. Nevertheless, its mechanisms of action are often studied separately at the soil, plant, or microbiome levels, limiting a comprehensive understanding of its overall impact on agroecosystem functioning. This review proposes an integrated perspective of the soil–plant–microbiome continuum, linking silicon chemistry in soil solutions with the effects of silicon amendments on soil properties and the processes of uptake, transport, and deposition in the plants. We show that silicon bioavailability depends on maintaining a pool of dissolved silicon dominated by orthosilicic acid, regulated by mineral weathering, adsorption–desorption dynamics, polymerization, pH, iron and aluminum oxides, and organic matter. In soils, silicon inputs can improve structure, modulate acidity and cation exchange balances, influence nutrient availability, and reduce the mobility of certain metals. They may also affect enzymatic activities and microbial community composition. In plants, silicon uptake and transport, mediated by specific transporters, contribute to tissue silicification, the maintenance of leaf architecture, and the regulation of water, ionic, and redox homeostasis. These processes provide a basis for enhanced tolerance to drought, salinity, and metal toxicity, as well as biotic stress caused by pathogens and pests. Finally, we discuss key limitations to the agronomic application of silicon, including the diagnosis of the silicic status of soils, the choice of source and mode of application, and the genotypic variability of acquisition, as well as the need for multi-site tests and more robust mechanistic validations. This synthesis provides a coherent mechanistic framework to better define the conditions under which silicon can serve as a reliable tool for sustainable crop management under climate change. Full article

Coastal ecosystems are highly dynamic and vulnerable to climate change, sea-level rise, and rapid urbanization. However, many landscape ecological risk assessments are limited by fixed scales and assumptions of spatial uniformity. This study develops a geomorphology-based framework to analyze coastal ecological risk. Using multi-source data from 1980 to 2020, the optimal analytical scale was identified as 120 m (grain) and 1000 m (extent). An integrated approach combining OPGD, XGBoost–SHAP, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models was applied to examine risk patterns and driving mechanisms across four coastal types in Guangdong, China. The results show that the importance and interactions of driving factors vary significantly among geomorphic types, with clear nonlinear responses. Key statistical thresholds were identified, indicating ranges where risk sensitivity changes, including NDVI ≈ 0.624 in the Hilly Ria Coast, slope ≈ 2.8° in the Platform Ria Coast, elevation ≈ 14.5 m in the Barrier–Lagoon Coast, and GDP ≈ 1644.65 × 10⁶ CNY/km² in the Estuarine Delta Coast. These findings provide quantitative evidence for understanding spatial heterogeneity and the nonlinear dynamics of coastal ecological risk, and offer practical references for adaptive management. Full article

Plants must constantly adapt to biotic and abiotic stressors, which the global climate change crisis has intensified. To monitor plant health and predict their ability to face these challenges, various target molecules, such as hormones, glucose, and reactive oxygen species, are used as proxies for their physiological status. This review provides a systematic assessment of the current state of biosensor technology, an innovative analytical approach designed for in situ, minimally invasive, and real-time monitoring. Using the PICO (Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) strategy, relevant research papers were identified. The review highlights how biosensors can detect physiological responses to stress before visual symptoms manifest, offering a significant advantage over traditional, often destructive, laboratory techniques, like gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC-MS) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These advancements aim to improve precision agriculture and forestry management by providing sustainable methods to assess resilience in changing environments. Finally, the challenges of translating research from model organisms to complex woody species and choosing the correct target are discussed, and future perspectives, including the integration of biosensors with Artificial Intelligence-driven predictive models for large-scale environmental monitoring, are outlined. Full article

Wildfires release volatile phenolic compounds (VPs) that can be absorbed by grapevines, potentially resulting in “smoke taint” in wines. This has emerged as a prominent issue for the global wine industry due to negative impact on wine quality and subsequent financial losses. Since effective vineyard mitigation strategies remain limited, this study evaluated the efficacy of different materials applied to grapes to reduce the absorption of smoke marker compounds under simulated wildfire conditions. Twelve materials were applied to individual Cabernet Sauvignon clusters close to harvest. Treated vines were exposed to intentional smoke using a purpose-built tent. Grapes from treated vines, as well as smoke-exposed and non-exposed controls, were harvested at commercial maturity. The results showed a strong stratification of VPs within the tent and in the grapes. Glycosylation began within hours of smoke exposure, with significant increases in almost all glycosylated compounds within 4 hours compared to non-smoked controls. Some materials reduced VP uptake relative to untreated controls (kaolin, charcoal, and two commercial coating formulations—GM3E and GMB6), whereas others increased the absorption of smoke-derived compounds (Parka and wipe-out). These findings highlight that those protective treatments may have variable and sometimes counterproductive effects on smoke compound uptake. Full article

This systematic review examines the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of sparkling wine production across its value chain. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a structured search in Scopus and Web of Science identified 17 relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025. The results show that environmental hotspots are consistently associated with viticultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel use), energy consumption in winery operations, packaging—particularly glass bottle production—and distribution. Carbon footprint values typically range from 0.9 to 1.9 kg CO₂eq per bottle, with packaging accounting for up to 55–60% of total impact. Methodologically, most studies adopt an attributional LCA approach, apply partial system boundaries, and focus primarily on climate change, limiting comparability and completeness. Conversely, sparkling wine-specific stages, such as secondary fermentation and aging, remain underrepresented. Overall, the findings reveal substantial methodological heterogeneity across studies, particularly in functional units, system boundaries, and impact assessment methods. However, processes specific to sparkling wine production remain underrepresented, limiting the accuracy of environmental characterization for these systems. This review highlights the need for harmonized cradle-to-grave LCA frameworks, bottle-based functional units, and broader impact categories to improve the robustness and comparability of LCA applications in sparkling wine production. Full article

The occurrence of marine heatwaves (MHWs) and phytoplankton blooms is accelerating under climate change, yet the frequency and drivers of their compound co-occurrence remain poorly understood. Using coastal-optimized satellite observations from 2003–2020, we mapped global compound MHW–phytoplankton bloom (MHW-PB) events across coastal large marine ecosystems and quantified their spatiotemporal trends and environmental predictors. Compound events are increasing at 4.8% yr⁻¹, driven primarily by a 6.5% yr⁻¹ rise in MHW frequency; a temporal shuffle test confirms this trend falls below random co-occurrence expectation, indicating biological suppression actively constrains compound event growth. The compound independence factor (CIF) reveals latitudinal heterogeneity: low-latitude upwelling systems show MHW–PB mutual exclusivity, while high-latitude and eutrophic coastal regions show positive co-occurrence tendency. Interpretable machine learning further shows that nutrient availability dominates bloom responses at low latitudes whereas light dominates at high latitudes, with MHW intensity exhibiting nutrient-dependent non-linear associations with bloom probability. Paradoxically, compound frequency accelerates nearly twice as fast in low latitudes (6.1% yr⁻¹) as in high latitudes (3.5% yr⁻¹), driven by rapid tropical MHW acceleration. These diverging regimes signal dual ecological risks: trophic mismatches in upwelling systems and escalating hypoxia and harmful algal bloom hazards in eutrophic coastal waters. Full article

Hurricane Florence (2018) proved to be a damaging tropical cyclone that formed off the coast of the Cabo Verde Islands. On 12 UTC 14 September 2018, Florence made landfall as a weakened category 1 Hurricane in Wrightsville Beach, NC. In the midst of landfall, Florence’s ground speed stalled considerably to near zero. Because of this stall, Florence continued to accumulate feet of rain along the coastline, and the inundation of seawater became extreme. Due to the impacts of Florence, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-ARW) was used to simulate the tropical cyclone and provide insight into the thermodynamics and dynamics that played a significant role at the time of landfall. After the control case, several sensitivity experiments were conducted. The historical sensitivity experiments utilize the thermodynamic and moisture fields of ERA5 reanalysis data from 1968 and 1998, respectively, to modify the thermodynamic and moisture fields in the initial conditions of the WRF–ARW control case. In addition, to study the potential future climate impacts of Florence, the NCAR CESM Global Bias-Corrected CMIP5 Output to Support WRF/MPAS Research dataset was utilized. The same approach was taken as the historical versions of Florence for sensitivity experiments for future climate, i.e., thermodynamic and moisture fields for both 2038 and 2068 under the RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, respectively. Results suggest a corresponding intensity shift with minor track deflections. Based on these modifications, synoptic and mesoscale dynamics will be studied to provide insight into how Florence-like hurricanes may change based on certain climate scenarios. Full article

In the context of climate change and the challenge of strengthening urban biodiversity, this paper examines the potential of speculative drawing as a methodological tool for developing biodiversity scenarios of the cityscape within the framework of the New European Bauhaus initiative. The research is based on the initiative’s core values of beautiful, sustainable, and together, and is conducted using a drawing-based methodology grounded in inductive reasoning across three spatial scales in Block 30, which is part of the spatial cultural-historical unit of the Central Zone of New Belgrade. The potentials for biodiversity development are explored at the scale of the apartment, the facade, and the open space of the block. By examining the interactions between the indoor and open spaces of mass housing, ecological potentials emerge. The experimental process demonstrates that drawing can function as a methodological tool that reveals opportunities for community engagement through drawing practices. The proposed layering of drawings offers interpretations of cityscape transformation at each of the three scales. Through speculative scenarios, the drawings provide a methodological tool to co-create biodiversity interventions in mass housing as a sensitive architectural layer within the design process, fostering a new understanding of the relationship between nature and the cityscape. Full article

Breeding in bird species inhabiting the temperate climate zone is strongly seasonally regulated. One such species is the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), widely maintained in aviary systems and of considerable importance in game management. The aim of this study was to determine seasonal variability in selected morphological traits of male common pheasants and to assess their relationship with vocalisation parameters during the annual cycle. The study was conducted on males kept under aviary conditions. Traits related to reproductive condition were analysed, including testicular mass and facial wattle height, together with mating vocalisations. The results revealed clear seasonal variation in the analysed traits. A gradual increase in body mass and spur length was observed from summer to winter, reflecting the maturation of young males and accumulation of energy reserves before the breeding season. The highest values of reproductive parameters, particularly testicular mass and wattle height, were recorded in spring, indicating peak hormonal activity and full sexual maturity. In June, a marked regression of these traits and a decline in the somatic condition traits were observed, corresponding to the end of the breeding season. Changes in vocal activity followed a similar pattern, suggesting a link between acoustic parameters and seasonal reproductive dynamics. Full article

The electrical system is a crucial infrastructure of modern society. It provides the energy needed for society to continue its development. However, this critical infrastructure is increasingly threatened by the extreme weather events driven by the escalating climate crisis, posing significant challenges to sustainable development and energy security. Therefore, it is important to conduct comprehensive risk analyses of the electrical system to prepare for future challenges. This paper presents an electrical risk assessment conducted within the European project ICARIA, aiming to evaluate the effects of global climate change on critical infrastructure resilience. The study improves on the first risk assessment conducted, evaluating the electrical system’s vulnerability to flooding events, such as heavy rains or rising sea levels, in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. A key contribution to this research is the integration of direct impact assessments and cascading effect analyses, which identify how localised failures in electrical assets can spread throughout the system, potentially leading to a blackout. The research focuses on modelling various flood projections, using extreme weather scenarios and return periods ranging from 1 to 100 years. These projections are employed to evaluate the risk assessment methodology and quantify potential impacts on the electrical grid, including Expected Annual Damage (EAD) and Energy Not Supplied Cost (ENSC). The results aim to provide policymakers and grid operators with valuable insights, enabling the development of data-driven adaptation strategies and climate-resilient infrastructure planning to mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather events. Full article

Mediterranean water systems face intensifying drought pressure under climate change, yet the long-term macroeconomic consequences of recurrent water restrictions remain largely unquantified at the metropolitan scale. This study estimates the cumulative economic costs of drought-induced water restrictions in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) over 2016–2099 using a supply-driven Input–Output (Ghosh) model driven by six hydro-climatic projections. Drought conditions persist in more than half of all simulated months across all climate projections, generating substantial cumulative undiscounted losses of €52–61 billion through repeated restriction episodes rather than isolated extreme events. The present value of total GDP losses ranges between €8.4 and €41.4 billion depending on the discount rate applied (1%, 3% and 5%). Losses concentrate in service sectors due to strong intersectoral propagation effects, despite agriculture exhibiting the highest direct water dependence. The framework provides a transferable approach for assessing long-term climate-driven drought costs in metropolitan urban or regional economies. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the aromatic potential of four new Monastrell-derived white grapevine genotypes (MC180, MC69, MT103, MV67) compared with Verdejo over four consecutive seasons (2020–2023), with particular emphasis on both free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds. This approach provided novel insight into the aromatic composition of emerging cultivars under warm climate conditions and their potential suitability for future viticultural use. Free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds were extracted and analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Differences in aroma profiles were observed among genotypes and seasons. MV67 and MC69 showed higher levels of monoterpenes and volatile phenols, suggesting enhanced floral and complex aromatic potential. Seasonal effects strongly influenced C6 compounds and norisoprenoids, highlighting the importance of climatic conditions in shaping grape aroma. Multifactorial analysis revealed that season had the greatest impact on most compound families, although genotype and its interaction with season were also significant. These results demonstrate that genotype–environment interactions play a key role in determining aromatic composition. The elevated levels of aroma precursors, particularly glycosidically bound compounds, indicate promising enological potential for producing fresh, aromatic white wines. Therefore, these new cultivars represent suitable alternatives for white wine production in warm climates. Full article

This article examines The Mark of Cassandra by Chingiz Aitmatov through the emerging framework of Blue Humanities. While most prior studies have approached Aitmatov’s ecological concerns from a land-based ecocritical perspective, this article shifts the focus to his engagement with oceanic themes and marine environments. By combining literary interpretation with ecological philosophy, the study suggests that The Mark of Cassandra goes beyond the limits of traditional environmental fiction. It presents the ocean not only as a setting but as a source of knowledge and ethical reflection. In this way, Aitmatov’s work seems to anticipate current global discussions on climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental justice. The novel encourages readers to reconsider the human-centered worldview and adopt a more ecocentric approach. Through its marine symbolism and critical stance on human exploitation of nature, the text offers valuable insights into ecological ethics that cross both national and species boundaries. Overall, this article argues that The Mark of Cassandra is an important literary contribution that challenges the usual borders of ecocriticism and calls for a more integrated and holistic understanding of environmental issues. Full article

Africa’s rainfed agricultural systems are highly exposed to climate change, making shifts in temperature and rainfall a major concern for staple-food crop production. Using a MaxENT ecological niche modelling approach with crop occurrence, elevation, soil and climatic predictors, this study assessed current and future suitability for rainfed maize, millet and sorghum under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The projections show a notable expansion of 11.1–22.0% in areas suitable for maize cultivation, and a decline of 1.6–7.3% in areas suitable for production of millet and sorghum, indicating likelihood for increased food-security risks in regions dependent on drought-tolerant cereals. These differing shifts highlight the need for targeted adaptation measures, including crop diversification and region-specific planning to help sustain crop production under a changing climate. Full article