Search Results (7,507)

As the world progresses towards more sustainable food systems, an increasing number of individuals are inclined to reduce meat consumption and transition to plant-based protein sources. Given the implications of climate change and escalating public health issues, plant-based protein sources appear to be a viable alternative; yet, this transition will be challenging to implement. Legumes, cereals, oilseeds, microalgae, and mycoprotein constitute the primary sources of plant-derived protein. Each possesses distinct functional attributes; yet, they also exhibit certain nutritional constraints. The restrictions mostly pertain to the composition of essential amino acids and the body’s efficacy in utilizing micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B₁₂. From an ecological perspective, plant-based proteins often exert a significantly lesser impact on the environment compared to conventional meat. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and optimizes resource utilization. Recent technological advancements, including fermentation methods, shear cell structuring, and high-moisture extrusion, have significantly improved the texture and flavor of plant-based products. However, consumer perceptions of the sensory attributes of these products significantly influence their acceptance. Current research priorities include improving protein digestibility, mitigating antinutritional factors, reducing salt content, and generating robust long-term data on health effects/health benefits. Ultimately, replacing meat with plant-based proteins involves not only scientific and nutritional considerations but also requires significant cultural and societal transformations to establish a more balanced and sustainable food system. Full article

Urban expansion in Europe is accelerating, increasing impermeable surfaces and intensifying climate-related pressures, while reducing the capacity of natural and semi-natural habitats to regulate climate. Despite growing interest in ecosystem service (ES), the assessment of resilience, and thus the stability of ES providers, as well as their integration into spatial planning tools, remain limited. This study develops and tests a comprehensive assessment framework that (i) evaluates the current performance of selected ecosystem functions underpinning key regulating ES important for climate adaptation using a look-up table method; (ii) assesses ecosystem resilience by quantification its preconditions; and (iii) applies spatial prioritization to identify and prioritize climate adaptation measures that enhance ecosystem functions and strengthen resilience. The framework was applied to the cadastral area of Liberec (Czech Republic). Results indicate that areas with the highest urgency for intervention were identified consistently across urban and peri-urban zones. However, proposed measures were more diverse and spatially differentiated in peri-urban and rural areas, whereas a single dominant measure prevailed in urban areas, suggesting higher practical applicability outside densely built environments. The approach supports evidence-based spatial planning and contributes to the implementation of the EU Adaptation Strategy by promoting resilient green infrastructure in urban and peri-urban landscapes. Full article

Coral reefs in the South China Sea (SCS) are critical for regional marine biodiversity and ecosystem services but face escalating threats from climate change and anthropogenic stressors. However, a holistic evaluation of habitat suitability spanning the distinct environmental gradients from low-latitude deep-water atolls to high-latitude marginal reefs remains limited. This study utilized high-resolution remote sensing data and the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) model combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to systematically map potential habitat suitability and elucidate the multi-scale environmental drivers shaping the realized niche of SCS corals. The results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity characterized by a distinct “High South, Low North” latitudinal gradient, with Unsuitable areas dominating 85.5% of the study region, followed by Marginally Suitable habitats at 5.0%, while the northern Nansha Islands were identified as the core distribution area with the highest suitability and continuity. Minimum Phosphate (Min. Phos.) concentration and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) were identified as the core environmental factors determining the spatial distribution of coral reefs in the South China Sea. The optimal environmental ranges were identified as: SST between 28.52 °C and 29.41 °C, water depth shallower than 34 m, extremely low phosphate (0–0.005 mmol/m³), and low cumulative thermal stress (DHW < 0.83 °C-weeks). Crucially, PCA further quantified two potential climate refugia: low-latitude thermal refugia in the southern Nansha Islands, characterized by high environmental stability, and high-latitude marginal refugia in the Beibu Gulf, which offer physical buffering against warming, while necessitating targeted efforts to mitigate the risks of habitat degradation and eutrophication driven by intensifying anthropogenic activities These findings challenge the traditional conservation view relying solely on high-latitude migration, advocating for a climate-resilient spatial planning strategy that prioritizes strict protection of southern biodiversity source banks while enhancing the connectivity of northern marginal stepping stones. Full article

Human activities and climate change are influencing the survival and distribution of species, threatening the current distribution pattern of biodiversity and potentially leading to the “sixth mass extinction.” The forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is among the most numerous and widely distributed musk deer species in China. However, its habitat is severely threatened by human activities and climate change. Due to the lack of field surveys and research data, it is difficult to assess the threats posed by human activities and climate change effectively. In this study, we integrate the new records of forest musk deer with climate and human activity data, and apply the MaxEnt species distribution model to evaluate the impact of human activities and climate change on the forest musk deer under current conditions and future scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 for the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s). Our results showed that the forest musk deer prefer areas with high vegetation cover (NDVI > 0.7), low GDP, and low levels of human activity disturbance. The areas of high-suitability habitats are 90.10 × 10⁴ km², 72.85 × 10⁴ km², and 30.43 × 10⁴ km², respectively. The optimal climatic conditions are an annual precipitation (BIO12) of 750–1500 mm and a seasonal temperature variation (BIO4) of 500–600. Their occurrence probability is highest at elevations between 1500 and 3000 m. Under the current climate conditions, the area of high-suitability habitats is estimated at 5.54 × 10⁴ km², primarily distributed across central–northern Sichuan, northwestern Guangxi, and southern Gansu. Under the future climate scenarios, low and medium-suitability habitats are projected to shrink to varying degrees, whereas the high-suitability area is expected to expand, particularly under the SSP5-8.5-2030s scenario where it is projected to increase by 2.88 × 10⁴ km². The centroid of suitable habitat is projected to shift toward higher-elevation areas in northwestern China, with regional hotspots emerging in southwestern regions such as central–northern Sichuan and northwestern Guangxi. These elevational and distributional shifts highlight the vulnerability of current habitats and the importance of adaptive conservation strategies to strengthen species protection, including continuously advancing forest protection programs, mitigating the impact of human activities in high-altitude areas, and strengthening the protection of key areas in the southwestern region. Full article

Flooding is one of the most persistent and destructive natural hazards in West Virginia. However, community-scale assessments that connect social vulnerability with physical flood vulnerability are still limited. Existing floodplain management plans often focus on infrastructure and hydrology, overlooking how socioeconomic disparities shape resilience. This study assesses flood resilience in West Virginia communities by connecting socioeconomic vulnerability with physical flood vulnerability. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS) and state floodplain maps, we developed a Socioeconomic Vulnerability Index (SEVI) and combined it with physical indicators, such as the percentage of residential buildings in the 100-year floodplain, the share of mobile homes in flood-prone areas, the presence of essential facilities and community assets within flood zones, and the proportion of roads submerged by at least one foot of water. Incorporated and unincorporated communities were analyzed separately to reflect differences in governance and service capacity. The results reveal that high flood vulnerability areas often coincide with high socioeconomic vulnerability, especially in the southern and southeastern counties, where long-term economic decline has increased risks. Communities like McDowell and Mingo face a combined challenge of social and physical vulnerability, adding pressure to populations already dealing with limited resources. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated resilience planning that combines physical protection with social support. Considering the increasing intensity of extreme precipitation events associated with climate change, these findings also highlight the importance of incorporating long-term climate considerations into flood resilience planning. Policy suggestions include expanding targeted flood insurance subsidies for low-income households, prioritizing the relocation or retrofitting of mobile homes and essential facilities, investing in green and open spaces, and encouraging community-based mitigation strategies. Together, these actions can lower long-term flood risks while addressing structural inequalities that make certain populations more vulnerable. Full article

Climate change poses an urgent challenge to Canada’s sustainable development. The country experiences increasing extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and pressures on energy systems—particularly in remote northern regions. In Newfoundland and Labrador, isolated communities are vulnerable because reliance on diesel-based electricity increases greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, and environmental risks, highlighting the need for resilient energy solutions. This study uses a systematic methodology combining literature review, local energy demand data, and site-specific wind resources to design and optimize hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) for Makkovik. It employs HOMER Pro and the Monte Carlo method to evaluate uncertainties in cost, fuel consumption, and renewable fraction. The objectives are to quantify how renewable integration can reduce emissions, improve energy reliability, and support sustainable development in remote communities. The novelty lies in combining location-specific modeling with probabilistic Monte Carlo analysis and providing robust, system-level insights into environmental and economic outcomes while guiding climate-resilient energy planning. The proposed HRES significantly mitigates climate change impacts, reducing annual CO₂ emissions from 72,500 kg/year to 15,190 kg/year. Monte Carlo analysis indicates economic feasibility with a net present cost of $14.5 million, a levelized cost of electricity of 0.256 $/kWh, and diesel consumption reduced from 29,970 L/year to 5854 L/year. Wind energy provides 99.6% of total annual electricity, ensuring a high renewable fraction and reliable power, enhancing energy resilience and adaptation potential. This study demonstrates that a well-designed hybrid renewable energy system can deliver measurable emission reductions, economic feasibility, and enhanced energy resilience. It supports sustainable development and climate change mitigation in remote Canadian communities. Full article

Plant-mediated CH₄ transport can enhance ecosystem CH₄ emission by transporting soil-produced CH₄. This pathway can exceed diffusion and ebullition as the dominant CH₄ emission route. However, limited studies have investigated the morphological and anatomical factors influencing CH₄ transport in plants. Through a series of manipulative experiments on the shoots and roots, this study examines the role of root and shoot structures in CH₄ transport and release in six widespread wetland species: Carex rostrata Stokes, Carex lasiocarpa Ehrh., Carex aquatilis Wahlenb., Iris pseudacorus L., Juncus effusus L., and Alocasia odora (Lodd.) Spach. CH₄ flux from all investigated species dropped significantly after clipping fine roots, while it did not change significantly after removing coarse roots. Shoot clipping and sealing significantly decreased CH₄ flux from the investigated Carex species, but not from the other species. Our results demonstrate the important role of fine roots in controlling CH₄ flux, whereas coarse roots play a minor role. Leaf blades are the major release site of CH₄ from Carex species, while micropores at the shoot base are the primary release site of CH₄ from the other species. Our study suggests that integrating plant-specific anatomical and morphological characteristics into global methane models is crucial to better predict and mitigate climate change impacts. Full article

Overwintering peat fires are increasingly reported in the boreal regions, where they persist underground through winter and reignite in spring, intensifying greenhouse gas emissions and landscape degradation. This study investigates the conditions that enable peat fires to survive freezing and snow cover, and presents practical methods for their winter detection and suppression. We combined satellite data, UAV-based thermal imaging, time-lapse photography, and ground measurements of temperature, groundwater depth, and peat moisture to identify active overwintering hotspots. Our results show that these fires persist primarily where groundwater levels remain below 60 cm, particularly under tree roots, compacted soil, or elevated terrain that limits moisture recharge. UAV thermal imaging proved the most reliable detection tool, identifying 98% of hotspots. We developed and successfully applied a winter extinguishing method that involves mechanical disruption and dispersion of smoldering peat over frozen ground, allowing rapid cooling without re-ignition. These findings clarify the mechanisms sustaining overwintering fires and provide an effective approach for their mitigation, contributing to reduced emissions and improved management of boreal peatlands vulnerable to climate change. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive 35-year (1990–2025) shoreline change assessment along the southeast coast of Ireland, integrating multi-decadal Landsat satellite archives with GIS-based Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) metrics to quantify both spatial and temporal coastal dynamics. Unlike previous studies that focus on shorter timeframes or localized sectors, this research provides a regional-scale, orientation-specific comparison between the eastern-facing (SE1; County Wexford) and southern-facing (SE2; County Waterford) shorelines. Shoreline evolution was quantified using four complementary DSAS indicators—Shoreline Change Envelope (SCE), Net Shoreline Movement (NSM), End Point Rate (EPR), and Linear Regression Rate (LRR), allowing robust discrimination between short-term variability and multi-decadal trends. The results reveal noticeable spatial variability in shoreline behavior with 57% accretion and 42% erosion across the eastern-facing coast (SE1) in County Wexford and the southern-facing coast (SE2) in County Waterford. SCE values ranging from 2.26 m to 663.83 m indicate considerable short-term shoreline variability, particularly within dynamic barrier and embayed systems. NSM values between −216.65 m and +663.83 m indicate erosional hotspots, particularly along soft-sediment coasts and exposed southern-facing sectors, whereas accretion is limited to embayments, sandy beaches, and zones of effective sediment trapping. Rate-based analyses show EPR values between −14.82 and +20.38 m/yr and LRR values between −5.27 and +20 m/yr, with LRR providing more reliable estimates of multi-decadal trends in highly dynamic environments. The findings highlight the strong influence of coastal orientation, sediment availability, geological controls, and human activities on shoreline change in southeastern Ireland. These findings provide valuable evidence to support coastal management, hazard mitigation, and climate adaptation planning, with the assistance of policymakers, to develop effective strategies that enhance the resilience and quality of life of coastal communities. Full article

Land-use change contributes significantly to climate change mitigation through biophysical changes (albedo, α) and biogeochemical (greenhouse gases, GHG) emissions (here refers to methane, CH₄, and nitrous oxide, N₂O). While the impact of grassland–cropland conversion on global warming potential (GWP) is well-documented globally, research remains scarce in the saline-alkaline agropastoral transition zone (APTZ) of the western Songnen Plain, Northeast China, an ecotone uniquely characterized by soil-crusting and seasonal inundation. We conducted in situ bi-weekly measurements of N₂O and CH₄ fluxes (June–September) to acquire growing season ${\mathrm{GWP}}_{{\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}}$ and ${\mathrm{GWP}}_{{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{H}}_4}$, alongside α. The study compared an undisturbed fenced meadow (FMD) with three adjacent land-use types, clipped meadow (CMD), saline-alkaline meadow (SAL), and paddy rice field (PDY), converted from FMD from 2018 to 2022. Annual α-induced GWP (GWPΔα) was positive across all converted sites (CMD, SAL, and PDY), indicating a warming effect due to lower α compared to FMD. The PDY exhibited the highest CH₄ emission (5.04 kg CO₂ m⁻² yr⁻¹), exceeding other land uses by three orders of magnitude (p < 0.05). Conversely, N₂O emissions remained consistently minimal and stable across all sites. When integrating the net ecosystem exchange of CO₂ (NEE), the PDY functioned as a net warming source. In contrast, the warming effects of α and non-CO₂ GHGs were effectively offset by the NEE in other land uses. Machine learning identified soil water content (SWC) as the dominant predictor of α across all land uses in growing season. However, a mechanistic divergence was observed, i.e., α in low saline-alkali ecosystems (FMD, CMD and PDY) was shaped by coupled biotic and soil moisture controls, whereas in the degraded SAL ecosystem, α is almost exclusively abiotic-driven. These findings demonstrate that land-use conversion in the Songnen Plain governs complex land-surface feedbacks through distinct pathways. This study provides a quantitative framework for integrating biophysical and biogeochemical impacts to optimize land management for climate resilience in saline-alkaline agropastoral ecotones. Full article

Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungus with an increased ability to cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities, leading to poor patient outcomes. Since its initial discovery in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly across continents and is now classified by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critical-priority pathogen. This review summarizes current knowledge on the origin, taxonomy, microbiology, and virulence mechanisms of C. auris, emphasizing its thermotolerance, osmotolerance, and biofilm-forming capacity on biotic and abiotic surfaces, as well as aspects related to its antifungal drug resistance and management. These features, together with its genomic plasticity, contribute to persistence, transmission, and drug resistance. Emerging evidence also supports a potential link between climate change and C. auris evolution, highlighting environmental adaptation as a driver of pathogenicity. Combating C. auris will require multidisciplinary efforts to mitigate its expanding global impact. Full article

Coastal cities exposed to extreme wind events are facing increasing challenges in emergency management under climate change. Accurate and high-resolution wind environment information over complex urban terrain is essential for disaster risk assessment and evidence-based emergency planning; however, such information is often unavailable in conventional management practices. This study proposes an integrated UAV–CFD framework to support urban wind risk assessment by combining multi-source geospatial data and high-resolution numerical simulation. A refined urban terrain model with a spatial resolution of 0.5 m was constructed through the fusion of Google Earth data and UAV oblique photogrammetry, and subsequently coupled with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to analyze the urban wind environment. Field measurements obtained from a 50 m wind observation tower were used to validate the simulation results. The results reveal significant wind speed amplification caused by complex terrain and building configurations, with a maximum amplification factor of 1.95 due to the canyon effect. The relative errors between simulated and measured wind speeds and turbulence intensity were generally within 15%, demonstrating the reliability of the proposed framework. By providing high-resolution and spatially explicit wind risk information, this study offers practical decision-support for emergency management, urban planning, and resilience-oriented disaster mitigation in coastal cities. Full article

Climate change and rapid urbanization are intensifying flood risks in China, particularly in regions with complex terrain and dense populations. Traditional risk assessment methods often lack the flexibility to handle uncertainties in multi-dimensional risk systems. This study proposes a probabilistic flood risk assessment framework integrating Monte Carlo simulation with a composite indicator system from the perspective of disaster system theory. Taking Hunan Province as a case study, we constructed a hierarchical indicator system encompassing environmental susceptibility, hazard intensity, exposure vulnerability, and mitigation capacity. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and coefficient of variation (CV) methods were combined for indicator weighting, and Monte Carlo simulation was employed to quantify uncertainties and classify risk levels. Results reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in flood risk across the province, with high-risk areas concentrated in regions exhibiting intense rainfall, dense river networks, and insufficient mitigation infrastructure. The study provides a transferable, data-driven approach for spatially explicit flood risk zoning, offering evidence-based insights for land-use planning, resilient infrastructure development, and sustainable flood governance. This research contributes to the integration of probabilistic modeling into land system science, supporting disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies aligned with SDG 11. This study also provides policy-relevant insights for regional flood governance by supporting risk-informed land-use planning, targeted infrastructure investment, and adaptive flood management strategies, thereby contributing to more resilient and sustainable land system development under increasing climate uncertainty. Full article

Extreme weather events such as higher temperatures, droughts, and soil salinization are projected to increase as atmospheric CO₂ concentrations rise and climate change progresses. These factors have a negative impact on global food security, the water supply, and ecosystem productivity. The focus of this review is on modern concepts, comparative studies, and our data on the mechanisms of adaptation of halophytes and glycophytes with different types of photosynthetic metabolism (C₃, C₄) to the individual and combined effects of climatic factors. The analysis revealed that C₃ and C₄ species and C₄-NAD-ME and C₄-NADP-ME species differ in terms of stability and photosynthetic plasticity. Under drought conditions, both individually and in combination with other factors, C₄ halophytes demonstrate the advantages of efficient photosynthesis and salt tolerance. Halophytes with C₄-NADP-ME are characterized by uniquely high levels of plasticity and variability in photosynthetic metabolism. This is reflected in their ability to mitigate the negative effects of elevated temperatures and drought through the use of elevated CO₂ (eCO₂). The mitigating effect of eCO₂ on photosynthesis at elevated temperatures was not detected in halophytes, regardless of photosynthesis type. Halophytes possess an augmented capacity for heat tolerance. Integrating fundamental scientific knowledge with urgent practical needs will enable us to predict changes in ecosystems and create new, sustainable agricultural systems. Full article