Search Results (1,668)

The construction sector presently consumes about 40% of global energy and generates 36% of CO₂ emissions, making facade retrofits a priority for decarbonising buildings. This review clarifies how ventilated facades (VFs), wall assemblies that interpose a ventilated air cavity between outer cladding and the insulated structure, address that challenge. First, the paper categorises VFs by structural configuration, ventilation strategy and functional control into four principal families: double-skin, rainscreen, hybrid/adaptive and active–passive systems, with further extensions such as BIPV, PCM and green-wall integrations that couple energy generation or storage with envelope performance. Heat-transfer analysis shows that the cavity interrupts conductive paths, promotes buoyancy- or wind-driven convection, and curtails radiative exchange. Key design parameters, including cavity depth, vent-area ratio, airflow velocity and surface emissivity, govern this balance, while hybrid ventilation offers the most excellent peak-load mitigation with modest energy input. A synthesis of simulation and field studies indicates that properly detailed VFs reduce envelope cooling loads by 20–55% across diverse climates and cut winter heating demand by 10–20% when vents are seasonally managed or coupled with heat-recovery devices. These thermal benefits translate into steadier interior surface temperatures, lower radiant asymmetry and fewer drafts, thereby expanding the hours occupants remain within comfort bands without mechanical conditioning. Climate-responsive guidance emerges in tropical and arid regions, favouring highly ventilated, low-absorptance cladding; temperate and continental zones gain from adaptive vents, movable insulation or PCM layers; multi-skin adaptive facades promise balanced year-round savings by re-configuring in real time. Overall, the review demonstrates that VFs constitute a versatile, passive-plus platform for low-carbon buildings, simultaneously enhancing energy efficiency, durability and indoor comfort. Future advances in smart controls, bio-based materials and integrated energy-recovery systems are poised to unlock further performance gains and accelerate the sector’s transition to net-zero. Emerging multifunctional materials such as phase-change composites, nanostructured coatings, and perovskite-integrated systems also show promise in enhancing facade adaptability and energy responsiveness. Full article

Forests provide habitat for diverse species and play a key role in mitigating climate change. Remote sensing enables efficient monitoring of many forest attributes across vast areas, thus supporting effective and efficient management strategies. This study aimed to identify an effective combination of remote sensing sensors for estimating biophysical variables in Mediterranean and temperate forests that can be easily translated into an operational context. Aboveground biomass (AGB), canopy height (CH), and forest canopy cover (FCC) were estimated using a combination of optical (Sentinel-2, Landsat) and radar sensors (Sentinel-1 and TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X), along with records of past forest disturbances and topography-related variables. As a reference, lidar-derived AGB, CH, and FCC were used. Model performance was assessed not only with standard approaches such as out-of-bag sampling but also with completely independent lidar-derived reference datasets, thus enabling evaluation of the model’s temporal inference capacity. In Mediterranean forests, models based on optical imagery outperformed the radar-enhanced models when estimating FCC and CH, with elevation and spectral indices being key predictors of forest structure. In contrast, in denser temperate forests, radar data (especially X-band relative heights) were crucial for estimating CH and AGB. Incorporating past disturbance data further improved model accuracy in these denser ecosystems. Overall, this study underscores the value of integrating multi-source remote sensing data while highlighting the limitations of temporal extrapolation. The presented methodology can be adapted to enhance forest variable estimation across many forest ecosystems. Full article

Extremophiles are microorganisms capable of living on Earth in ecological niches characterized by peculiar conditions, including extreme temperatures and/or pH, high salt concentrations, and the presence of heavy metals. The development of unique structural and functional adaptation strategies has stimulated an increasing scientific interest since their discovery. The importance of extremophiles lies in their exploitability in significant bioprocesses with several biotechnological applications and their role as a fundamental source of numerous high-value-added biomolecules. This review aims to examine the diversity and specificities of extremophilic archaea and bacteria, with particular emphasis on their potential applications and development in biotechnology and biomedicine. The use of extremophiles and their extremozymes has allowed applications in several fields, such as bioremediation, sustainable agriculture, the recovery of bioactive molecules for use in bioenergy, biomedicine, and nanoparticle production. The comprehension and exploitation of the complex molecular mechanisms that enable life in extreme environments represent a challenge to mitigate current climate change problems and to invest in sustainable development towards a green transition. Full article

Drought, an increasingly prevalent climate stressor due to global warming, profoundly impacts agricultural systems, particularly the soil microbiome. Soil microorganisms are crucial for nutrient cycling, plant health, and ecosystem stability; however, drought-induced changes disrupt microbial community structure, function, and interactions with plants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of drought on soil microbiomes, with a focus on microbial diversity, resilience, and functional shifts in agricultural contexts. It highlights key microbial mechanisms underpinning plant drought tolerance, including symbioses with plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it addresses knowledge gaps in the long-term effects of repeated drought events, microbial adaptations, and plant–soil feedback mechanisms. By advancing our understanding of drought–microbiome dynamics, this review aims to inform sustainable agricultural practices and resilience strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought on crop productivity and ecosystem health. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive coastal vulnerability assessment framework by integrating a range of physical, environmental, and climatic parameters. Key criteria include shoreline changes, coastal geomorphology, slope, elevation, bathymetry, tidal range, wave height, shoreline change rates, population density, land use and land cover (LULC), temperature, precipitation, and coastal inundation factors. By synthesizing these parameters with real-time coastal monitoring data, the framework enhances the accuracy of regional risk evaluations. The study employs Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis (MCSA) to systematically assess and prioritize vulnerability indicators, enabling a data-driven and objective approach to coastal zone management. The findings aim to support coastal planners, policymakers, and stakeholders in designing effective, sustainable adaptation and mitigation strategies for regions most at risk. This integrative approach not only strengthens the scientific understanding of coastal vulnerabilities but also serves as a valuable tool for informed decision-making under changing climate and socioeconomic conditions. Full article

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination of crops during the pre-harvest period is a significant global concern for food and feed safety (FFS). In Europe, climate change presents a growing threat to agricultural products by increasing the risk of AF contamination. This umbrella review evaluates the scope and quality of pre-harvest data on climate-related AF contamination in Europe, addressing key questions: What insights do researchers provide on the relationship between climate change and pre-harvest AF contamination, and what data are lacking? Which crops are the focus of current research, and where in Europe are these studies concentrated? How is the data presented, and is it standardized? We conducted an umbrella literature review, extracting relevant studies from PubMed and Scopus up to 14 October 2024. Our findings indicate that rising temperatures, droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns increasingly favor the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi and pre-harvest AF contamination in European crops, posing risks to FFS and agricultural stability. However, inconsistencies in data collection and reporting limit cross-regional comparisons and hinder the development of effective mitigation strategies. Standardizing methodologies and improving data accessibility will enhance predictive modeling, strengthen risk assessments, and support targeted adaptation efforts, providing actionable insights for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders. Full article

Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, pose a significant global health concern due to their frequent presence in crops, food, and feed—especially under climate change conditions. This review addresses the growing threat of aflatoxins by analyzing recent advances in detection and mitigation. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on bioremediation, physical and chemical detoxification, and fungal growth inhibition strategies. The occurrence of aflatoxins in water systems was also examined, along with current detection techniques, removal processes, and regulatory frameworks. Emerging technologies such as molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, biosensors, and chromatographic methods are discussed for their potential to improve monitoring and control. Key findings highlight the increasing efficacy of integrative approaches combining biological and technological solutions and the potential of AI-based tools and portable devices for on-site detection. Intelligent packaging and transgenic crops are also explored for their role in minimizing contamination at the source. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of continued interdisciplinary research and the development of sustainable, adaptive strategies to mitigate aflatoxin risks, thereby supporting food safety and public health in the face of environmental challenges. Full article

This article examines the modeling of sustainable development in transport logistics, focusing on the impact of climate factors, changing weather conditions, and digitalization processes. The study analyzes the complex influence of adverse weather phenomena, such as fog, rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and strong winds, whose frequency and intensity are increasing due to climate change, on the efficiency, safety, and reliability of transport systems across all modes except pipelines. Special attention is paid to the integration of weather-resilient sensor technologies, including LiDAR, thermal imaging, and advanced monitoring systems, to strengthen infrastructure resilience and ensure uninterrupted transport operations under environmental stress. The methodological framework combines comparative analytical methods with economic–mathematical modeling, particularly Leontief’s input–output model, to evaluate the mutual influence between the transport sector and sustainable economic growth within an interconnected ecosystem of economic and technological factors. The findings confirm that data-driven management strategies, the digital transformation of logistics, and the strengthening of centralized hubs contribute significantly to increasing the resilience and flexibility of transport systems, mitigating the negative economic impacts of climate risks, and promoting long-term sustainable development. Practical recommendations are proposed to optimize freight flows, adapt infrastructure to changing weather risks, and support the integration of innovative digital technologies as part of an evolving ecosystem. Full article

This study examines the effects of climate mitigation, climate change as quantifiable effects of additional extreme weather events, and adaptation investments on economic growth in Germany. First, on the basis of a comprehensive literature review and further considerations, important impact channels are discussed. Second, the macroeconometric national model PANTA RHEI is used to quantify the effects. To this end, scenarios are refined with and without additional climate change, and with and without additional climate protection to achieve national reduction targets until 2045, and defined for the first time with and without adaptation to climate change. This is also the first combination of all three climate dimensions within the model. The results show that, in the model, the quantifiable effects of extreme weather events have a negative impact on GDP that can be reduced by adaptation. By contrast, climate mitigation has a positive effect. As only monetary effects are accounted for, negative effects of climate change and positive impacts of climate policy are underestimated in broader terms. The model results help to understand the interaction between mitigation and adaptation: without mitigation, the impact of the climate crisis will increase significantly. Adaptation measures may then have less impact or even become ineffective. Full article

Climate change poses significant threats to oceans, leading to ocean acidification, sea level rise, and sea ice loss and so on. At the same time, oceans play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, offering solutions such as renewable energy and carbon sequestration. Moreover, the availability of diverse ocean data sources, both remote sensing observations and in situ measurements, provides unprecedented opportunities to monitor these processes. Remote sensing data, with its extensive spatial coverage and accessibility, forms the foundation for accurately capturing changes in ocean conditions and developing data-driven solutions. This review explores the dual relationship between climate change and oceans, focusing on the impacts of climate change on oceans and ocean-based strategies to combat these challenges. From the artificial intelligence perspective, this study systematically analyzes recent advances in applying deep learning techniques to understand changes in ocean physical properties and marine ecosystems, as well as to optimize ocean-based climate solutions. By evaluating existing methodologies and identifying knowledge gaps, this review highlights the pivotal role of deep learning in advancing ocean-related climate research, outlines existing current challenges, and provides insights into potential future directions. Full article

Climate change represents a major global challenge, with semi-arid regions like the province of Almería being particularly vulnerable. Almería’s dependence on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and tourism, coupled with the absence of perennial rivers, increases its exposure to extreme events including heatwaves, droughts, and extreme precipitation events like storms. This study proposes a semi-quantitative methodology to assess climate risk across different sectors at the municipal level, combining indicators of hazard, exposure and vulnerability within the framework of the IPCC AR6. Exposure and vulnerability indicators were derived from regional, national and European datasets, while hazards were characterized using downscaled Essential Climate Variables. After data collection, the indicators were normalized using a percentile-based approach to ensure their comparison and replicability, especially in data-scarce contexts. The results reveal both sectoral and spatial patterns of risk under three different climate change scenarios, highlighting municipalities with a higher level of exposure, vulnerability and risk. Although the static nature of exposure and vulnerability indicators represents a limitation in future risk quantification, the findings remain valuable for identifying priority areas for targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. The proposed semi-quantitative risk methodology based on indicators is of great interest and relevance for understanding differences at local scales, as well as for implementing adaptation and mitigation solutions adjusted to the real needs of each municipality. Full article

Extreme rainfall events driven by climate change are increasing flood risks. Addressing flood mitigation solely from either a hydraulic engineering or urban planning perspective may overlook both feasibility and effectiveness. This study focuses on Tainan City and the Tainan Science Park in Taiwan, applying the NbS framework to assess flood mitigation strategies. From an urban planning perspective, Agricultural Development Zone Type II (Agri-DZII), parks, green spaces, and Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) land were selected as flood detention sites. Hydraulic modeling was used to evaluate their effectiveness under both current and climate-change-induced rainfall conditions. Simulation results show that under current rainfall conditions, flood mitigation measures reduced inundated areas with depths exceeding 2.0 m by up to 7.8% citywide and 20.8% within the Tainan Science Park Special District Plan Area. However, under climate change scenarios, the reduction effects declined significantly, with maximum reductions of only 1.6% and 17.8%, respectively. Results indicate that, even when utilizing all available detention areas, the overall flood reduction in Tainan City remains limited. However, TSC agri-land within the Tainan Science Park overlaps with high-flood-risk zones, demonstrating significant local flood mitigation potential. This study recommends integrating hydrological analysis into urban planning to prevent high-density residential and economic zones from being designated in flood-prone areas. Additionally, policymakers should consider reserving appropriate land for flood detention to enhance climate resilience. By combining urban planning and hydraulic engineering perspectives, this study highlights the flexibility of NbS in disaster management, advocating for the integration of Natural Water Detention Measures into flood adaptation strategies to improve urban water management and climate adaptability. Full article

Temperature increases due to climatic changes have been increasingly recognized as posing significant public health challenges, with wide-ranging socio-economic implications. This scoping review examines the relationship between high temperatures and violence against women (VAW) globally. Nine studies from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries were included in this review. The findings suggest an overall positive association between high temperatures and rates of VAW. Theoretical frameworks, including the temperature–aggression hypothesis and routine activity theory, offer insights into the mechanisms driving this relationship. Key risk factors such as socioeconomic status, urban heat island effects, rurality, patriarchal norms, and alcohol consumption were considered to be risk factors affecting rates of VAW. Despite growing evidence, research gaps persist, particularly in regions with high rates of VAW and in the form of qualitative studies that capture women’s lived experiences. The positive associations between temperature and VAW underscore the urgency of integrating gender-sensitive strategies into climate adaptation policies to mitigate the compounding risks of climate change and gender-based violence. Full article

Salinity has significant impacts on crops, a problem that is exacerbated under climate change conditions. For this reason, research is focused on possible ways to mitigate the impacts by adapting cultivation methods such as administering appropriate materials or formulations to plants. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of calcium (Ca²⁺) supplementation on the growth, physiology, and chemical composition of pomegranate plants (Punica granatum L. cv. ‘Wonderful’) grown under salinity stress. Young self-rooted plants were cultivated in pots containing a sand/perlite (1:1) mixture and irrigated with Hoagland’s nutrient solution amended with NaCl (0, 60, or 120 mM) and CaCl₂·2H₂O (0 or 10 mM). Salinity significantly reduced the fresh and dry weight of aboveground tissues; photosynthetic performance; chlorophyll content; and potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, particularly under high NaCl levels. Sodium (Na) accumulation increased in all plant parts, while nitrogen (N), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were elevated in basal leaves. Calcium supplementation mitigated several of these adverse effects, especially under moderate salinity. It helped maintain leaf biomass, supported K⁺ retention in roots, partially improved chlorophyll concentration, and limited Na⁺ accumulation in certain tissues. However, Ca²⁺ application did not consistently reverse the negative impacts of severe salinity (120 mM NaCl), and in some cases, interactions between Ca²⁺ and other nutrients such as Mg²⁺ were antagonistic. These findings confirm the inherent salt tolerance of pomegranate and demonstrate that calcium plays a partially protective role under salinity, particularly at moderate stress levels. Further research is needed to optimize Ca²⁺ use in saline agriculture and enhance sustainable cultivation of pomegranate in salt-affected soils. Full article

Climate change increasingly threatens heritage-rich river basins, yet the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into formal environmental governance remains underexplored. This study investigates how historically embedded water management practices in Tuscany’s Arno River and New York’s Hudson River can inform adaptive strategies under conditions of climate uncertainty. Employing a Triangulated mixed-methods approach—including a systematic narrative literature review, variable coding (hydrological dynamics, cultural heritage, governance structures, economic livelihoods, and adaptive knowledge), and effect size analysis—we conducted a comparative assessment to uncover regional challenges, capacities, and implementation dynamics. The findings reveal that while both basins contend with hydrological volatility and fragmented governance, the Arno benefits from legally embedded heritage practices that continue to shape canal-based agriculture and flood mitigation. In contrast, the Hudson showcases strong multi-level stakeholder engagement and ecological restoration, though with less institutional reliance on traditional land stewardship. By integrating codified traditional practices with participatory governance and applying a weighted implementation structure, this study illustrates how resilience planning can be more context-sensitive, operationally feasible, and socially inclusive. Ultimately, this research positions cultural landscapes as active infrastructure for climate adaptation—provided they are institutionally supported and community-endorsed—offering a transferable model for policy innovation in similarly vulnerable riverine systems. Full article