You seem to have javascript disabled. Please note that many of the page functionalities won't work as expected without javascript enabled.

Search for Articles:

Title / Keyword

Author / Affiliation / Email

Journal

Article Type

Advanced Search

Section

Special Issue

Volume

Issue

Number

Page

Logical OperatorOperator

Search Text

Search Type

Assessing the Effects of Citizen Climate Literacy and Attitudes on Their ‘Greening’ Behaviour in a Climate Change Hotspot Region of the Eastern Mediterranean

Journal Description

Climate

Climate is a scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal of climate science published online monthly by MDPI. The American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP) is affiliated with Climate and its members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), GeoRef, AGRIS, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences) / CiteScore - Q2 (Atmospheric Science)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 21.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 3.0 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.3 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2225-1154

Latest Articles

25 pages, 27144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Centuries of Monthly Rainfall in Barcelona (NE Spain): Disparity Trends, Correlation of Autumnal Rainfall with the WeMO Index and Its Contribution to Annual Amounts

by Xavier Lana, Carina Serra, María del Carmen Casas-Castillo, Raül Rodríguez-Solà and Marc Prohom

Climate 2024, 12(10), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100166 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2024

Rainfall irregularity in Mediterranean regions is a characterizing feature of their climate. The aim of this manuscript is to analyze, in a climate change context, the evolution of this irregularity in Barcelona. A very long monthly database (1786–2023) enables detailed analysis of rainfall [...] Read more.

Rainfall irregularity in Mediterranean regions is a characterizing feature of their climate. The aim of this manuscript is to analyze, in a climate change context, the evolution of this irregularity in Barcelona. A very long monthly database (1786–2023) enables detailed analysis of rainfall evolution, with its irregularity quantified using the concept of disparity, the trends of which are assessed using moving windows and a modified Mann–Kendall test. The relationship between disparity and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation index (WeMOi) is also explored. Additionally, the study compares rainfall amounts to the 1961–1990 reference period and evaluates autumn’s contribution to annual totals. A significant and increasing disparity trend over the years is detected for the autumn months. While correlations between disparity and WeMOi are limited, the WeMOi and monthly precipitation are significantly correlated for two autumn months, October and November, and for December, aligning with previous studies. This suggests the potential influence of the WeMOi fluctuations on future rainfall during these three months. Recent evidence of the increasing autumn irregularity is seen in the consecutive low-rainfall years of 2021, 2022 and 2023, which stand out as the driest since 1835, with the last two autumns ranking among the 5% driest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extreme Precipitation and Responses to Climate Change)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reconstructing and Hindcasting Sea Ice Conditions in Hudson Bay Using a Thermal Variability Framework

by William A. Gough

Climate 2024, 12(10), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100165 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2024

The Hudson Bay seasonal sea ice record has been well known since the advent of satellite reconnaissance, with a continuous record since 1971. To extend the record to earlier decades, a thermal variability framework is used with the surface temperature climatological records from [...] Read more.

The Hudson Bay seasonal sea ice record has been well known since the advent of satellite reconnaissance, with a continuous record since 1971. To extend the record to earlier decades, a thermal variability framework is used with the surface temperature climatological records from four climate stations along the Hudson Bay shoreline: Churchill, Manitoba; Kuujjurapik, Quebec; Inukjuak, Quebec; and Coral Harbour, Nunavut. The day-to-day surface temperature variation for the minimum temperature of the day was found to be well correlated to the known seasonal sea ice distribution in the Bay. The sea ice/thermal variability relationship was able to reproduce the existing sea ice record (the average breakup and freeze-up dates for the Bay) largely within the error limits of the sea ice data (1 week), as well as filling in some gaps in the existing sea ice record. The breakup dates, freeze-up dates, and ice-free season lengths were generated for the period of 1922 to 1970, with varying degrees of confidence, adding close to 50 years to the sea ice record. Key periods in the spring and fall were found to be critical, signaling the time when the changes in the sea conditions are first notable in the temperature variability record, often well in advance of the 5/10th ice coverage used for the sea ice record derived from ice charts. These key periods in advance of the breakup and freeze-up could be potentially used, in season, as a predictor for navigation. The results are suggestive of a fundamental change in the nature of the breakup (faster) and freeze-up (longer) in recent years. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Determinants of Adapting to the Consequences of Climate Change in the Peruvian Highlands: The Role of General and Behavior-Specific Evaluations, Experiences, and Expectations

by Robert Tobias, Adrian Brügger and Fredy S. Monge-Rodriguez

Climate 2024, 12(10), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100164 - 16 Oct 2024

Progressive climate change (CC) forces people—particularly in the Global South—to adapt to its consequences, some of which include droughts, flooding, and new diseases. This study investigates the determinants of behaviors for adapting to these threats in a population from the region of Cusco [...] Read more.

Progressive climate change (CC) forces people—particularly in the Global South—to adapt to its consequences, some of which include droughts, flooding, and new diseases. This study investigates the determinants of behaviors for adapting to these threats in a population from the region of Cusco (Peru). Data were gathered via a cross-sectional interview-based survey in 2016, using random-route sampling. For up to 542 cases, we regressed a scale combining performed behaviors and intentions on psychological constructs, for the entire and sub-samples (n > 179, allowing to detect an R² of 10% with a power of 80% at p = 0.05). Behavior-specific evaluations—particularly perceived feasibility (β = 0.355), descriptive norms (β = 0.267), and cost-benefit evaluations (β = 0.235)—can explain most of the variance (44% with a total R² = 61%). Furthermore, trust in specific sources (β = 0.106), general trust (β = 0.098), and negative attitudes toward nature (β = 0.077) are positively related to adaptation, particularly regarding public behaviors (supporting community projects and policies). However, evaluations directly related to CC, such as risk perception (β = 0.010) or how much a behavior helps prevent damage (adaptation efficacy, β = −0.042)), do not explain adaptation, except for an effect of adaptation efficacy on changing daily behaviors. Experiences with and expectations of CC consequences are mostly unrelated to adaptation. However, worries about such events are correlated with adaptation (r between 0.097 and 0.360). We conclude that, to promote adaptation behaviors in this region, the focus should be on the characteristics of the behavior performance (e.g., its costs or feasibility), not on the expected risks of extreme events because of CC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate Adaptation and Mitigation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessReview

Studies on Heavy Precipitation in Portugal: A Systematic Review

by José Cruz, Margarida Belo-Pereira, André Fonseca and João A. Santos

Climate 2024, 12(10), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100163 - 15 Oct 2024

This systematic review, based on an adaptation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement from 2020, focuses on studies of the atmospheric mechanisms underlying extreme precipitation events in mainland Portugal, as well as observed trends and projections. The [...] Read more.

This systematic review, based on an adaptation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement from 2020, focuses on studies of the atmospheric mechanisms underlying extreme precipitation events in mainland Portugal, as well as observed trends and projections. The 54 selected articles cover the period from 2000 to 2024, in which the most used keywords are “portugal” and “extreme precipitation”. Of the 54, 23 analyse trends and climate projections of precipitation events, confirming a decrease in total annual precipitation, especially in autumn and spring, accompanied by an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events in autumn, spring and winter. Several articles (twelve) analyse the relationship between synoptic-scale circulation and heavy precipitation, using an atmospheric circulation types approach. Others (two) establish the link with teleconnection patterns, namely the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and still others (three) explore the role of atmospheric rivers. Additionally, five articles focus on evaluating databases and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, and nine articles focus on precipitation-related extreme weather events, such as tornadoes, hail and lightning activity. Despite significant advances in the study of extreme precipitation events in Portugal, there is still a lack of studies on hourly or sub-hourly scales, which is critical to understanding mesoscale, short-lived events. Several studies show NWP models still have limitations in simulating extreme precipitation events, especially in complex orography areas. Therefore, a better understanding of such events is fundamental to promoting continuous improvements in operational weather forecasting and contributing to more reliable forecasts of such events in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weather, Events and Impacts)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Climate Change Worry Decrease during Armed Conflicts?

by Yaira Hamama-Raz and Shiri Shinan-Altman

Climate 2024, 12(10), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100162 - 14 Oct 2024

Climate change stands out as an especially pressing global concern. The aim of the present study was to explore whether climate change worry decreases during armed conflicts, using two time-points: before and during an armed conflict. Guided by the Transactional Theory of Stress [...] Read more.

Climate change stands out as an especially pressing global concern. The aim of the present study was to explore whether climate change worry decreases during armed conflicts, using two time-points: before and during an armed conflict. Guided by the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping (TTSC), we examined the interplay between risk appraisal, pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs), and climate change worry. A sample of 202 Israeli adults participated in two waves of data collection, completing self-report measures addressing climate change worry, risk appraisal, and PEBs. Results revealed a significant decline in climate change worry and risk appraisal during the armed conflict, whereas PEBs remained unchanged. Contrary to expectations, the associations between risk appraisal, PEBs, and climate change worry did not weaken during the conflict. Mediation analyses indicated that the decline in risk appraisal led to a decline in PEBs, which subsequently contributed to a decline in climate change worry. However, this mediation effect was partial, with most of the association remaining direct. These findings imply that the psychological impact of armed conflict may temporarily overshadow environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for strategies to maintain environmental awareness and behavior even during an armed conflict. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop Coefficients and Irrigation Demand in Response to Climate-Change-Induced Alterations in Phenology and Growing Season of Vegetable Crops

by Nadine Schmidt and Jana Zinkernagel

Climate 2024, 12(10), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100161 - 11 Oct 2024

This study investigates the effects of climate change on the irrigation demand of vegetable crops caused by alteration of climate parameters affecting evapotranspiration (ET), plant development, and growing periods in Central Europe. Utilizing a model framework comprising two varying climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effects of climate change on the irrigation demand of vegetable crops caused by alteration of climate parameters affecting evapotranspiration (ET), plant development, and growing periods in Central Europe. Utilizing a model framework comprising two varying climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5) and two regional climate models (COSMO C-CLM and WETTREG 2013), we calculate the daily crop water balance (CWBc) as a measure for irrigation demand based on reference ET and the temperature-driven duration of crop coefficients until 2100. Our findings for onion show that rising temperatures may shorten cultivation periods by 5 to 17 days; however, the irrigation demand may increase by 5 to 71 mm due to higher ET. By reaching the base temperatures for onion growth earlier in the year, cultivation start can be advanced by up to 30 days. Greater utilization of winter soil moisture reduces the irrigation demand by up to 21 mm, though earlier cultivation is restricted by frost risks. The cultivation of thermophilic crops, however, cannot be advanced to the same extent, as shown for bush beans, and plants will transpire more strongly due to longer dry periods simulated for summer. The results underscore the need for adaptive crop and water management strategies to counteract the simulated changes in phenology and irrigation demand of vegetable crops. Therefore, special consideration must be given to the regional-specific and model- and scenario-dependent simulation results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Rainfall Patterns and Food Insecurity: Vulnerable Regions and Adaptation Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Meteorological Factors on Stroke Incidence in the Transdanubian Region of Hungary

by László Horváth, Zsófia Verzár, Tímea Csákvári, László Szapáry, Péter Domján, Csaba Bálint, Haitham Khatatbeh, Amira Mohammed Ali and Annamária Pakai

Climate 2024, 12(10), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100160 - 11 Oct 2024

Cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. The epidemiological background and predisposing factors have been the basis of many studies. We aimed to assess the effect of seasonal variability and meteorological factors on stroke incidence in Hungary. National and county-level [...] Read more.

Cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. The epidemiological background and predisposing factors have been the basis of many studies. We aimed to assess the effect of seasonal variability and meteorological factors on stroke incidence in Hungary. National and county-level secondary data were assessed for 2018–2019. We identified stroke with ICD codes I60, I61, I62 (hemorrhagic), I63, I65, and I66 (ischemic). The data were obtained from the University of Pécs Clinical Centre (number of patients per day according to sex and disease subtype, n = 1765). Daily average and maximum wind speed [m/s], precipitation [mm], temperature [°C], and frontal effect [warm/cold/mixed/no effect]) were provided by the Hungarian Meteorological Service. We found that 89.92% of the patients were hospitalized for ischemic and 10.08% for hemorrhagic stroke. We observed a significantly higher number of cases in the other months compared to winter (spring: +35.9%; p = 0.007, summer: +59.0%; p = 0.016, autumn: +36.5%; p = 0.01). In autumn, an increase in temperature increased the incidence of stroke (r = 0.210; p = 0.004). Temperature change affected ischemic stroke incidence (r = 0.112; p = 0.003). In contrast, the number of hemorrhagic stroke cases showed a mild but significant negative association with daily temperature change (r = −0.073; p = 0.049). Overall, a 1 °C temperature change compared to the previous day increased the daily number of admissions by 2.9% (p = 0.017). Air pressure change also affected hemorrhagic stroke incidence (r = 0.083; p = 0.025). Changes in temperature and frontal effects can increase the incidence of stroke. Modern forecasting technology can help the healthcare system prepare for possible increased workloads during critical periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Impact on Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Climate Change Variability for the Better Management of Water Resources: The Case of Kobo Valley, Danakil Basin, Ethiopia

by Mengesha Tesfaw, Mekete Dessie, Kristine Walraevens, Thomas Hermans, Fenta Nigate, Tewodros Assefa and Kasye Shitu

Climate 2024, 12(10), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100159 - 6 Oct 2024

Alterations in the hydrological cycle due to climate change are one of the key threats to the future accessibility of natural resources. This study used 12 GCM climate models from CMIP6 to evaluate future climate change scenarios by applying model performance measures and [...] Read more.

Alterations in the hydrological cycle due to climate change are one of the key threats to the future accessibility of natural resources. This study used 12 GCM climate models from CMIP6 to evaluate future climate change scenarios by applying model performance measures and trend analysis in Kobo Valley, Ethiopia. The models were ranked based on their ability to analyze the historical datasets. The result of this study showed that the outputs of the FIO-ESM-2-0 CIMP6 model had a good overall ranking for both precipitation and temperature. After bias correction of the model-based projections with the observed data, the average annual precipitation in the average scenario (SSP2-4.5) decreased by 4.4% and 13% in 2054 and 2084, respectively. Similarly, in the worst-case scenario (SSP5-8.5), by the end of 2054 and 2084, decreases of 4% and 12.8%, respectively, were predicted. The average annual maximum temperature under the SSP2-4.5 scenario increased by 1.5 °C in 2054 and by 2.1 °C in 2084. The average annual maximum temperature under the worst-case (SSP5-8.5) scenario increased by 1.7 °C in 2054 and by 3.2 °C in 2084. In the middle scenario (SSP4.5), the average annual minimum temperature increased by 2.2 °C in 2054 and by 3 °C in 2084. The average annual minimum temperature under the worst-case (SSP5-8.5) scenario increased by 2.6 °C in 2054 and by 4.3 °C in 2084. The seasonal variability in precipitation in the studied valley will decrease in the winter and increase in the summer. A decrease in precipitation combined with an increase in temperature will strengthen the risk of drought events in the future. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison between Radar Variables and Hail Pads for a Twenty-Year Period

by Tomeu Rigo and Carme Farnell

Climate 2024, 12(10), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100158 - 4 Oct 2024

The time and spatial variability of hail events limit the capability of diagnosing the occurrence and stones’ size in thunderstorms using weather radars. The bibliography presents multiple variables and methods with different pros and cons. The studied area, the Lleida Plain, is annually [...] Read more.

The time and spatial variability of hail events limit the capability of diagnosing the occurrence and stones’ size in thunderstorms using weather radars. The bibliography presents multiple variables and methods with different pros and cons. The studied area, the Lleida Plain, is annually hit by different hailstorms, which have a high impact on the agricultural sector. A rectangular distributed hail pad network in this plain has worked operationally since 2000 to provide information regarding different aspects of hail impact. Since 2002, the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (SMC) has operated a single-pol C-band weather radar network that volumetrically covers the region of interest. During these years, the SMC staff has been working on improving the capability of detecting hail, adapting some parameters and searching for thresholds that help to identify the occurrence and size of the stones in thunderstorms. The current research analyzes a twenty-year period (2004–2023) to provide a good picture of the hailstorms occurring in the region of interest. The main research result is that VIL (Vertically Integrated Liquid) density is a better indicator for hailstone size than VIL, which presents more uncertainty in discriminating different hail categories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Smart Technologies in Climate Risk and Adaptation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3496 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Study of the Gendered Impacts of Climate Change in Bol, Lake Province, Chad

by Exaucé Gali Djako, Evelyne Mendy, Semingar Ngaryamgaye, Komi Sélom Klassou and Jérôme Chenal

Climate 2024, 12(10), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100157 - 4 Oct 2024

Climate change is a global phenomenon impacting ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. This research carried out in Bol in the Lake Province of Chad, a region heavily affected by climate change, aims to analyze the gender-differentiated impacts of this phenomenon. It was carried out [...] Read more.

Climate change is a global phenomenon impacting ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. This research carried out in Bol in the Lake Province of Chad, a region heavily affected by climate change, aims to analyze the gender-differentiated impacts of this phenomenon. It was carried out using the rapid analysis and participatory planning (RAPP) method and structural analysis for social systems (SAS2). Meteorological and socioeconomic data were collected through interviews, household surveys, and focus groups. The results indicate variability in rainfall, with a slight downward trend and an increase in temperature. The women identified an increase in the cost of living, human and material losses, warmer housing, and health problems as socioeconomic socioeconomic consequences of climate change. Their coping strategies include community self-help, humanitarian aid, and welfare activities. Obstacles to full participation in the search for solutions include access to education, low decision-making power, and political representation. This research enriches our understanding of the interactions between gender, climate change, adaptation, and inclusive policy importance. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Turkey’s Hydropower Potential in the Near Future and the Possible Impacts of Climate Change—A Case Study of the Euphrates–Tigris Basin

by Goksel Ezgi Guzey and Bihrat Onoz

Climate 2024, 12(10), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100156 - 3 Oct 2024

Hydropower is becoming an important renewable energy source in Turkey, but the ever-changing atmospheric and climatic conditions of Turkey make it very difficult to be projected efficiently. Thus, an efficient estimation technique is crucial for it to be adopted as a reliable energy [...] Read more.

Hydropower is becoming an important renewable energy source in Turkey, but the ever-changing atmospheric and climatic conditions of Turkey make it very difficult to be projected efficiently. Thus, an efficient estimation technique is crucial for it to be adopted as a reliable energy source in the future. This study evaluates Turkey’s hydropower potential in the Euphrates–Tigris Basin under changing climatic conditions. We adapted an empirical equation to model reservoir outflows, considering the site-specific characteristics of 14 major dams. Initial results from employing a model with a constant empirical coefficient, α, yielded moderate predictive accuracy, with R² values ranging from 0.289 to 0.612. A polynomial regression identified optimal α values tailored to each dam’s surface area, significantly improving model performance. The adjusted α reduced predictive bias and increased R² values, enhancing forecast reliability. Seasonal analysis revealed distinct hydropower trends: Ataturk Dam showed a notable decrease of 5.5% in hydropower generation up to 2050, while Birecik and Keban Dams exhibited increases of 2.5% and 2.2%, respectively. By putting these discoveries into practice, water resource management may become more robust and sustainable, which is essential for meeting Turkey’s rising energy needs and preparing for future climatic challenges. This study contributes valuable insights for optimizing reservoir operations, ensuring long-term hydropower sustainability, and enhancing the resilience of water resource management systems globally. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessReview

Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change: Core Issues and Implications for Practical Implementations

by Tom Selje, Lena Anna Schmid and Boris Heinz

Climate 2024, 12(10), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100155 - 3 Oct 2024

According to current forecasts, global heating is likely to exceed 2.8 °C by the end of this century. This makes substantial adaptation measures necessary to secure a broad basis for livelihood provision and the conservation of biodiversity. While the implementation of top-down and [...] Read more.

According to current forecasts, global heating is likely to exceed 2.8 °C by the end of this century. This makes substantial adaptation measures necessary to secure a broad basis for livelihood provision and the conservation of biodiversity. While the implementation of top-down and technocratic adaptation efforts predominates, related adaptation shortcomings of a socio-economic and ecological nature are becoming more and more apparent. Community-based adaptation (CBA), with its participatory, inclusive and needs-based bottom-up approach, offers a promising and powerful alternative. This article uses a semi-systematic literature review approach to screen the current literature and identify core issues of CBA. Linking communality, locality, multidimensionality, power imbalances, transformative potential, localisation, the triad of adaptation metrics and nature-based adaptation to corresponding potential actions for practical implementations provides a more holistic conceptualisation and broadens the horizons for further learning, research and improved applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate Adaptation and Mitigation)

17 pages, 5854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Street Trees on Temperature Reduction in a Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Program in George Town, Malaysia

by Sofia Castelo, Victor Moura Bussolotti, Izabela Pellegrini, Filipa Ferreira, Nor Atiah Ismail, Francesca Poggi and Miguel Amado

Climate 2024, 12(10), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100154 - 2 Oct 2024

Nature-based solutions have been promoted as an effective strategy to address climate impacts, including urban temperature reduction. In this paper, we analyze the impacts of the introduction of street trees on temperature (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) for three different dates, 2000, 2023, [...] Read more.

Nature-based solutions have been promoted as an effective strategy to address climate impacts, including urban temperature reduction. In this paper, we analyze the impacts of the introduction of street trees on temperature (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) for three different dates, 2000, 2023, and 2050. A 3D model was developed in Rhinoceros software for a part of George Town, on Penang Island. Four different sections of streets were simulated after integration of the model with the Grasshopper plug-in, where a parametric system was built for temperature measurements based on simulations in the Ladybug and Honeybee plug-ins. The tree species used were selected from a pool of tree species commonly planted in urban settings in Malaysia that have low and medium sensitivity to climate impacts. The results show a maximum reduction of 7 °C between 2000 and 2050, achieved on a street with an NW–SE orientation that was planted with three rows of trees. The minimum UTCI reduction achieved was 3 °C, between 2023 and 2050, in a street with NW–SE orientation that was planted with one tree row. The two streets with a SW–NE orientation showed a 5 °C temperature reduction between 2023 and 2050. Both streets have only one row of trees but different species and sizes, with the bigger trees reducing the temperature in a slightly larger area. The results show the importance of introducing and safeguarding street trees to reduce urban temperatures in the country, potentially keeping temperatures below life-threatening levels, thereby safeguarding urban health, while also reducing costs of energy consumption. Solar orientation, the number of tree rows, and their distribution impact the outcomes. The findings provide useful guidance for climate-conscious urban planning practices in Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate Adaptation and Mitigation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Climate Change on Rainfall ‘Seasonality Index’ and Its Potential Implications on Water Savings and Reliability through Household Rainwater Tanks

by Monzur Alam Imteaz, Mohammad S. Khan, Iqbal Hossain and Amimul Ahsan

Climate 2024, 12(10), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100153 - 1 Oct 2024

This study depicts potential climate change impacts on annual rainwater savings from household rainwater harvesting using two different climate projection models; ACCESS 1.0 and CSIRO-Mk3.6. This paper also investigates potential changes in the relationships of ‘water saving efficiency’ and reliability with rainfall ‘seasonality [...] Read more.

This study depicts potential climate change impacts on annual rainwater savings from household rainwater harvesting using two different climate projection models; ACCESS 1.0 and CSIRO-Mk3.6. This paper also investigates potential changes in the relationships of ‘water saving efficiency’ and reliability with rainfall ‘seasonality index’ under the mentioned climate change scenarios. The annual water savings were calculated for three weather conditions: dry, average, and wet. Historical daily rainfall amounts provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology were used for three locations within the city of Brisbane (Australia). For the same locations, projected future daily rainfall amounts were collected from an online data portal facilitated by the Australian government. Potential annual water savings, water saving efficiency, and reliability values for the selected locations were calculated through a widely used tool, eTank, developed on water balance methodology at a daily scale. It was found that for the coastal location, Manly, the future water savings are not likely to change significantly. However, for the inland location, Sunnybank, the future water savings are expected to decrease under all the weather conditions through both the considered climate projections. For the far inner location, Oxley, the water savings are likely to decrease in the dry year, whereas in wet year, they are likely to increase. Also, it was found that the overall average relationship of SI–water saving efficiency is steeper for ACCESS 1.0 projected data compared to that produced through CSIRO-Mk3.6 data, and that significant differences exist among individual relationships for each location. The overall reliabilities calculated through the model projected data show lower values compared to the reliabilities calculated using historical data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Impacts on Hydrologic Variables across Timescales and Spatial Scale)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Statistics and Meteorology of Cutoff Lows over South Africa 1970–2023

by Mark R. Jury

Climate 2024, 12(10), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100152 - 30 Sep 2024

The meteorology of cutoff lows over South Africa is characterized by statistical analysis of daily field data in the period 1970–2023. An index is formulated by subtracting 500 hPa geopotential height in the mid-latitudes from the subtropics. Cutoff lows (COL) are identified by [...] Read more.

The meteorology of cutoff lows over South Africa is characterized by statistical analysis of daily field data in the period 1970–2023. An index is formulated by subtracting 500 hPa geopotential height in the mid-latitudes from the subtropics. Cutoff lows (COL) are identified by positive values, mostly in autumn and spring. Statistics indicate that climate forcing is seasonal: La Nina/El Nino favors COL in March–May/September–November. Hemispheric regressions reveal anomalous highs across the southern mid-latitudes when COL are frequent over South Africa. A 14-case composite was formed from the most intense daily COL events in autumn and spring. The composite shows a NW- tilted Rossby wave and jet stream loop around the COL. Maritime easterlies induce a warm east—cool west SST pattern, but composite moist inflows are shallow, so stormy weather hugs the coastal plains. Overturning circulations meet in an upper-level “saddle” over South Africa. 500 hPa sinking motions to the Southwest are of similar strength to rising motions to the Northeast. A COL case study exhibited hourly rain rates >10 mm at Port Alfred 18–20 October 2012 fed by tropical inflow. New insights emerged from this study via composite height sections over South Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weather, Events and Impacts)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing Agricultural Soil Carbon Sequestration: A Review with Some Research Needs

by Kaiyi Zhang, Zehao Liu, Bruce A. McCarl and Chengcheng J. Fei

Climate 2024, 12(10), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12100151 - 25 Sep 2024

The US rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021 with a targeted 50–52% reduction in net GHG emissions in 2030 relative to 2005. Within the US’s nationally determined contributions, several land-based mitigation options were submitted, targeting the removal of 0.4–1.3 GtCO₂ yr⁻¹ [...] Read more.

The US rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021 with a targeted 50–52% reduction in net GHG emissions in 2030 relative to 2005. Within the US’s nationally determined contributions, several land-based mitigation options were submitted, targeting the removal of 0.4–1.3 GtCO₂ yr⁻¹ in 2030 compared to the net flux in 2010. Acknowledging disagreement has existed on both technological and economic feasibility levels of soil C sequestration adoption and practices, this review explores and evaluates the research findings and needs for six concepts: (1) permanence; (2) additionality; (3) leakage; (4) uncertainty; (5) transaction costs; and (6) heat-trapping ability of different gases. These concepts are crucial for the effective implementation of soil C sequestration projects since they help establish robust and integrated methodologies for measurement, verification, and issuance of carbon credits. In turn, they help ensure that environmental, social, and economic benefits are accurately assessed and credibly reported, enhancing the integrity of carbon markets and contributing to global climate mitigation efforts. This review also evaluates the existing and potential market opportunities for agricultural production with C sequestration and “climate- smart” farming practices. Current barriers to, research needs for, and policy considerations regarding soil C sequestration strategies are also stated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 3rd Volume)

37 pages, 51596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Water Bodies through Hydro-Physical Indices and Anthropogenic Effects in the Eastern Northeast of Brazil

by Christopher Horvath Scheibel, Astrogilda Batista do Nascimento, George do Nascimento Araújo Júnior, Alexsandro Claudio dos Santos Almeida, Thieres George Freire da Silva, José Lucas Pereira da Silva, Francisco Bento da Silva Junior, Josivalter Araújo de Farias, João Pedro Alves de Souza Santos, José Francisco de Oliveira-Júnior, Jhon Lennon Bezerra da Silva, Fernando Manuel João, Alex Santos de Deus, Iêdo Teodoro, Henrique Fonseca Elias de Oliveira and Marcos Vinícius da Silva

Climate 2024, 12(9), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12090150 - 23 Sep 2024

Brazil, despite possessing the largest renewable freshwater reserves in the world (8.65 trillion m³ annually), faces growing challenges in water management due to increasing demand. Agriculture, responsible for 68.4% of water consumption, is one of the main drivers of this demand, especially [...] Read more.

Brazil, despite possessing the largest renewable freshwater reserves in the world (8.65 trillion m³ annually), faces growing challenges in water management due to increasing demand. Agriculture, responsible for 68.4% of water consumption, is one of the main drivers of this demand, especially in the São Francisco River Basin, where irrigation accounts for 81% of total water withdrawals. Water bodies play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and supporting life, particularly along the East-West axis of Alagoas, a water-rich region in the ENEB. This study aimed to map and quantify the spatiotemporal variations of water bodies in the ENEB region and assess the impacts of human activities using MODIS satellite data, applying hydrological indices such as NDWI, MNDWI, and AWEI. Between 2003 and 2022, significant variations in the extent of water bodies were observed, with reductions of up to 100 km² during dry periods and expansions of up to 300 km² during wet seasons compared to dry periods. AWEI and MNDWI proved to be the most effective indices for detecting water bodies with MODIS data, providing accurate insights into water dynamics. Additionally, the MapBiomas Rios dataset, despite being resampled from a 30 m to a 500 m resolution, offered the most accurate representation of water bodies due to its methodology for data acquisition. Changes in albedo and surface temperature were also detected, highlighting the influence of climate change on the region’s water resources. These findings are crucial for guiding the sustainable management of water resources, not only in Alagoas but also in other regions of Brazil and similar semi-arid areas around the world. The study demonstrates the hydrological variability in the state of Alagoas, indicating the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures, supporting the need for informed decision-making in water resource management at both local and national levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Impacts on Hydrologic Variables across Timescales and Spatial Scale)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community-Led Climate Preparedness and Resilience in Boston: New Evidence from Communities of Color

by Katsyris Rivera-Kientz, Rosalyn Negrón, Lorena M. Estrada-Martínez, Nyingilanyeofori Hannah Brown, Chidimma Ozor Commer, Mahesh Admankar, Jessica Lillquist, Nicholas Johnson, Racheal Inegbedion and Paul Watanabe

Climate 2024, 12(9), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12090149 - 22 Sep 2024

Communities of color have been historically excluded and marginalized in the ongoing conversations about climate preparedness and resilience at local, national, and global levels. Using focus groups composed of Boston communities of color (Asian American, Black, Latino, and Native American), this study aimed [...] Read more.

Communities of color have been historically excluded and marginalized in the ongoing conversations about climate preparedness and resilience at local, national, and global levels. Using focus groups composed of Boston communities of color (Asian American, Black, Latino, and Native American), this study aimed to understand their perspectives on climate change, providing in-depth knowledge of its impact and their views on preparedness and resilience. Research shows that these communities have long been concerned about climate change and emphasize the urgent need to improve climate preparedness. A multi-pronged approach is crucial: listening to communities of color to leverage local knowledge and leadership, engaging in community organizing, advocating for policy change, redirecting attention to institutional resources, and addressing systemic inequalities that exacerbate vulnerabilities. The findings of this study highlight the need for policy changes driven by collaboration and collective action, which can benefit those most negatively impacted by climate change and the lack of preparedness and resilience in Boston and beyond. Full article

18 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Heatwave-Related Deaths among Older Adults by Diagnosis and Urban/Rural Areas from 1999 to 2020 in Slovenia

by Simona Perčič, Katarina Bitenc, Majda Pohar, Anka Uršič, Tanja Cegnar and Ana Hojs

Climate 2024, 12(9), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12090148 - 21 Sep 2024

Background: The association between mortality and heatwaves is well documented. Heatwaves frequency, intensity, and duration increase with global climate change. The most vulnerable group for dying during heatwaves is older people. Knowing which diseases contribute to a higher number of deaths during heatwaves [...] Read more.

Background: The association between mortality and heatwaves is well documented. Heatwaves frequency, intensity, and duration increase with global climate change. The most vulnerable group for dying during heatwaves is older people. Knowing which diseases contribute to a higher number of deaths during heatwaves is important for planning appropriate public health preventive measures. Methods: We assessed the short-term association between the number of deaths for older adults (75+ years) and heatwaves in the years 1999 to 2020 in Slovenia. We estimated the relative risks (RR) with a 95% confidence interval for the number of deaths for the observed diagnosis (all causes, circulatory, respiratory) and urban vs. rural areas associated with heatwaves in Slovenia for each year, comparing the number of deaths during heatwaves with reference days. Results: Most years showed no significant increase in deaths during heatwaves for those aged 75 and older. However, in 2006, 2007, 2014, and 2015, there was a significant increase in deaths during heatwaves. For the general population, heatwaves were associated with an increase in deaths due to all causes: 10% more in 2006 and 26% more in both 2007 and 2014. For those aged 75 and older, heatwaves were associated with an increase in deaths due to all causes: 22% more in 2007, 27% more in 2014, and 28% more in 2015. For those aged 75 and older, heatwaves were associated with an increase in deaths due to circulatory system diseases: 25% more in 2006, 33% more in 2007, 30% more in 2014, and 27% more in 2015. Regarding urban vs. rural areas, in 2006 and 2012, the elderly in urban areas were more affected, with 33% and 26% more deaths, respectively. In contrast, in 2007, 2014, and 2015, old age population in rural areas was more affected, with 29%, 26%, and 31% more deaths, respectively. Conclusions: According to the literature data, older adults are most susceptible to the effects of extreme heat due to physiological changes that occur with aging, chronic diseases, certain medications, a sedentary lifestyle, and social isolation. The results of our study will help in planning appropriate preventive public health measures to better protect older adults during the next heatwaves in Slovenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neural Network Downscaling to Obtain Local Precipitation Scenarios in the Italian Alps: A Case Study

by Cristina Iacomino and Antonello Pasini

Climate 2024, 12(9), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12090147 - 20 Sep 2024

Predicting local precipitation patterns over the European Alps remains an open challenge due to many limitations. The complex orography of mountainous areas modulates climate signals, and in order to analyse extremes accurately, it is essential to account for convection, requiring high-resolution climate models’ [...] Read more.

Predicting local precipitation patterns over the European Alps remains an open challenge due to many limitations. The complex orography of mountainous areas modulates climate signals, and in order to analyse extremes accurately, it is essential to account for convection, requiring high-resolution climate models’ outputs. In this work, we analyse local seasonal precipitation in Trento (Laste) and Passo Tonale using high-resolution climate data and neural network downscaling. Then, we adopt an ensemble and generalized leave-one-out cross-validation procedure, which is particularly useful for the analysis of small datasets. The application of the procedure allows us to correct the model’s bias, particularly evident in Passo Tonale. This way, we will be more confident in achieving more reliable results for future projections. The analysis proceeds, considering the mean and the extreme seasonal anomalies between the projections and the reconstructions. Therefore, while a decrease in the mean summer precipitation is found in both stations, a neutral to positive variation is expected for the extremes. Such results differ from model’s, which found a clear decrease in both stations in the summer’s mean precipitation and extremes. Moreover, we find two statistically significant results for the extremes: a decrease in winter in Trento and an increase in spring in Passo Tonale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing Climate Change with Artificial Intelligence Methods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

More Articles...

Submit to Climate Review for Climate

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

View More...

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

E-Mail Alert

News

16 October 2024
MDPI's Newly Launched Journals in September 2024

29 September 2024
MDPI New Journal Proposal—Invitation to Shape the Future of Open Science Together

27 September 2024
MDPI’s 2023 Travel Awards—Winners Announced

More News & Announcements...

Topics

Propose a Topic

Topic in Climate, Environments, Forests, Remote Sensing

Forest Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation Topic Editors: Tianxiang Yue, Zhe Xu, Zong Wang
Deadline: 25 October 2024

Topic in Climate, Drones, Forests, Land, Remote Sensing, IJGI

Advances in Multi-Scale Geographic Environmental Monitoring: Theory, Methodology and Applications Topic Editors: Jingzhe Wang, Yangyi Wu, Yinghui Zhang, Ivan Lizaga, Zipeng Zhang
Deadline: 31 October 2024

Topic in Agronomy, Applied Sciences, Climate, Forests, Remote Sensing, Sustainability, IJGI

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives Topic Editors: Cheng Li, Fei Zhang, Mou Leong Tan, Kwok Pan Chun
Deadline: 31 December 2024

Topic in Sustainability, Buildings, Sensors, Remote Sensing, Land, Climate, Atmosphere

Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment Topic Editors: Baojie He, Stephen Siu Yu Lau, Deshun Zhang, Andreas Matzarakis, Fei Guo
Deadline: 31 May 2025

More Topics

Conferences

Announce Your Conference

26–28 March 2025 ICARS 2025 – Shaping Sustainable Global Landscapes

More Conferences...

Special Issues

Propose a Special Issue

Special Issue in Climate

Climate Change—Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Urban Contexts Guest Editors: Christine Fürst, Muhammad Mushahid Anwar, Yazidhi Bamutaze, Ellen Banzhaf, Bolormaa Batsuuri, Henry Bulley, Paula Kapstein, Daniele La Rosa, Purevtseren Myagmartseren, Appollonia Okhimamhe, Malte Steinbrink
Deadline: 31 October 2024

Special Issue in Climate

Climate Change Impacts at Various Geographical Scales (2nd Edition) Guest Editor: Effie Kostopoulou
Deadline: 31 October 2024

Special Issue in Climate

Recent Climate Change Impacts in Australia Guest Editors: Milton S. Speer, Lance Leslie
Deadline: 31 October 2024

Special Issue in Climate

Climate Change Impacts on Hydrologic Variables across Timescales and Spatial Scale Guest Editors: Yang Zhou, Jiabao Wang
Deadline: 31 October 2024

More Special Issues

Topical Collections

Topical Collection in Climate

Adaptation and Mitigation Practices and Frameworks Collection Editors: Chris Swanston, Leslie Brandt

Back to TopTop