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Background: Active school transportation (AST) is an important source of physical activity for children and a potentially important climate change mitigation strategy. However, few studies have examined factors associated with AST in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used baseline data from a longitudinal survey to investigate correlates of AST during the second wave of COVID-19 (December 2020). We collected survey data from 2291 parents of 7- to 12-year-olds across Canada and linked this information with data on neighborhood walkability and weather from national databases. We assessed potential correlates representing multiple levels of influence of the social–ecological model. We used gender-stratified binary logistic regression models to determine the correlates of children's travel mode to/from school (dichotomized as active vs motorized), while controlling for household income. We examined the correlates of travel mode for both the morning and afternoon trips. Results: Consistent correlates of AST among Canadian children during the COVID-19 pandemic included greater independent mobility, warmer outdoor temperature, having a parent who actively commuted to work or school, living in a household owning fewer vehicles, and living in a more walkable neighborhood. These findings were largely consistent between boys and girls and between morning and afternoon school trips. Conclusions: Policymakers, urban planners, and public health workers aiming to promote AST should focus on these correlates while ensuring that neighborhoods are safe for children. Future research should monitor the prevalence and correlates of AST as COVID-19 restrictions are removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calls to action addressing the interconnections between physical (in)activity and the climate crisis are increasing. The current study aimed to investigate public support for policy actions that potentially have co-benefits for physical activity promotion and climate change mitigation. Methods: In 2023, a survey through the Angus Reid Forum was completed by 2507 adults living in Canada. Binary logistic regressions were conducted. Separate models were created to reflect support or opposition to the 8 included policy items. Several covariates were included in the models including age, gender, political orientation, physical activity levels, income, urbanicity climate anxiety, and attitudes surrounding physical activity and climate change. The data were weighted to reflect the gender, age, and regional composition of the country. Results: Most individuals living in Canada strongly or moderately supported all actions (ranging from 71% to 85%). Meeting the physical activity guidelines, higher self-reported income, and scoring high on personal experience of climate change were associated with higher odds of supporting the policy actions related to climate actions. Conclusions: Most adults living in Canada support policies that align with the recommended policy actions related to physical activity and climate change. National campaigns enhancing awareness and understanding of the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and climate change are warranted, and these should consider the consistent demographic differences (eg, gender, age, and political orientation) seen in public support for physical activity-related policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of incorporating climate education in business curricula and highlights the challenges faced by educators in doing so. It introduces En-ROADS, a computer simulation model developed by Climate Interactive, the MIT-Sloan Sustainability Initiative, and Ventana Systems, as a promising tool for experiential learning about climate change and the role of businesses in addressing it. The simulation allows participants to propose actions that can mitigate climate change and assess their impact on global temperatures and equity considerations. The article emphasizes the effectiveness of En-ROADS in increasing knowledge, engagement, and optimism towards climate action, and highlights its versatility and availability as open-source software. [Extracted from the article]

This article shines a light on the act of social construction of climate change mitigation as a policy issue at the hands of expert bodies enjoying epistemic power, notably the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) as key tools. This is crucial to the politics of tackling climate change as IPCC models and scenarios profoundly shape what are seen as viable futures and mitigation policy options. Analysing how technocratic governance bodies broach climate change, its mitigation, and the associated economic costs and implications, reveals contestations within the technocratic politics of climate change. The particular social construction of mitigation as a policy issue through IAMs and IPCC scenarios has important and real socio-ecological consequences. This engagement with the technocratic politics of mitigation problematises five key assumptions that are fed into modelling, and reveals why and how they matter politically. We also highlight ways in which contestable assumptions built into IPCC IAMs undermine their credibility and usefulness for planning mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most people in rural sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and rely on traditional, inefficient, and polluting cooking solutions that have adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. Here, we propose a novel integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system that combines sustainable biomass production in sequential agroforestry systems with biomass-based cleaner cooking solutions and rural electricity production in small-scale combined heat and power plants and estimate the biophysical system outcomes. Despite conservative assumptions, we demonstrate that on-farm biomass production can cover the household's fuelwood demand for cooking and still generate a surplus of woody biomass for electricity production via gasification. Agroforestry and biochar soil amendments should increase agricultural productivity and food security. In addition to enhanced energy security, the proposed system should also contribute to improving cooking conditions and health, enhancing soil fertility and food security, climate change mitigation, gender equality, and rural poverty reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable livestock management plays a crucial role in food production, climate change mitigation, and cultural preservation. Our study aimed to identify and analyse the diversity of social–ecological conditions that characterize extensive livestock systems in southern Patagonia. We integrated data collected from interviews and secondary sources and analysed data using hierarchical cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling to identify distinct ranching types. A qualitative analysis of key informant interviews identified key social–ecological changes for each type. The results emphasize the impact of administration, production, and biophysical factors on shaping different livestock ranching schemes. Further, we identified three significant social–ecological changes driving the dynamics of these systems, including shifts from (1) sheep to cattle ranching, (2) domestic to feral cattle ranching, and (3) landowners to tenant land managers. These findings have implications for policymakers seeking to develop strategies tailored to diverse realities, ensuring the sustainability of livestock systems in Tierra del Fuego. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accelerated urbanization has led to economic prosperity, it has also resulted in urban heat island effects. Therefore, identifying methods of using limited urban spaces to alleviate heat islands has become an urgent issue. In this study, we assessed the spatiotemporal evolution of urban heat islands within the central urban area of Fuzhou City, China from 2010 to 2019. This assessment was based on a morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) model and an urban thermal environment spatial network constructed using the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Optimization measures for the spatial network were proposed to provide a theoretical basis for alleviating urban heat islands. The results show that the heat island area within the study area gradually increased while that of urban cold island area gradually decreased. The core area was the largest of the urban heat island patch landscape elements with a significant impact on other landscape elements, and represented an important factor underlying urban heat island network stability. The thermal environment network revealed a total of 197 thermal environment corridors and 93 heat island sources. These locations were then optimized according to the current land use, which maximized the potential of 1599.83 ha. Optimization based on current land use led to an increase in climate resilience, with effective measures showing reduction in thermal environment spatial network structure and function, contributing to the mitigation of urban heat island. These findings support the use of current land use patterns during urban heat island mitigation measure planning, thus providing an important reference basis for alleviating urban heat island effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In approximately one decade, global temperatures will likely exceed a warming level that a United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report considers a "red alert for humanity". We propose exploring tidal flat diatoms to address climate change challenges. Tidal flats are extensive coastal ecosystems crucial to the provisioning and regulation of aquatic environments. Diatoms contribute to tidal flat biomass production and account for 20% of global primary productivity and 40% of annual marine biomass production, making them crucial for nutrient cycling and sediment stabilization. Potential CO2 removal from Korean tidal flats by diatoms is estimated to be 598,457–683,171 t CO2 equivalents (CO2e) annually, with the economic value of blue carbon (BC) resulting from diatom activity being approximately US$ 17.95–20.50 million. Dissemination of this potential could incentivize coastal wetland protection and climate change mitigation measures. The global estimated CO2e removal potential of tidal flat diatoms is 40,957,346–46,754,961 t CO2e, representing 0.11–0.13% of the annual global greenhouse gas emissions, even though tidal flats cover 0.0025% of the Earth's surface and diatoms represent less than 0.5% (by weight) of all photosynthetic plants. Researchers should combine ecology and economics to develop standardized approaches for carbon input monitoring and quantification. Further, spatiotemporal analyses of environmental threats to tidal flat diatoms are necessary for conserving their biodiversity and function as a critical BC source. Land-based cultivation for large-scale biomass production and biorefinery processes can contribute to a greener, more prosperous future for humanity and the marine ecosystems upon which we rely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines tourism professionals' perceptions of climate change and their reactions to the associated challenges. Sixteen in-depth interviews with tourism professionals who work at Arctic destinations in Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark (i.e. Greenland), reveal that the professionals acknowledge several pressing issues arising from climate change, such as glacier retreating and snow shortfall. It discovers one salient adaptation action in association with snow-related activities. Further, three streams of driving forces prompt the professionals to devise sustainable mitigation actions entailing (1) staging socially responsible and wellbeing tourist experiences, (2) implementing waste programmes friendly to the Arctic ecosystem, and (3) cultivating eco-friendly practices through certifications and educational programmes. Lastly, to further construe the attitudes of tourism professionals, this study elicits the Climate Resilience Model on Arctic Tourism, characterizing the interplay among climate impacts, driving forces, and climate actions by the tourism business across four Arctic nations under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the most recent climate projections, urban settings and historic centres will be affected by considerable increases in temperature extremes and heat waves as a result of climate change. For this reason, the issue of energy efficiency and indoor comfort in historic buildings has become a topic of major interest for the significant number of buildings in the national and European territories. The performance redevelopment of architectural heritage, particularly religious buildings, requires accurate design, through a careful assessment of the occupants' needs and the historic building's characteristics, to guarantee adequate levels of thermal comfort and ensure an indoor climate suitable for safeguarding the cultural asset. In this regard, the study investigates, through a data-driven approach and building performance analysis, the indoor comfort level of a religious building in the historical centre of Rome that presents phenomena of excessive indoor overheating. The objective is to identify passive cooling strategies, through the optimization of natural ventilation levels and reduction of surface temperatures of the envelope exposed to solar radiation, in order to propose different design scenarios. The results show how a data-driven process in a digital environment can significantly contribute to the identification of optimal and integrated design strategies and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compliance with green requirements is becoming increasingly important in assessing the performance of companies. The new CSRD legislation requires a wider range of companies to produce sustainability reports and their content is influenced by the EU's taxonomy regulation setting out the framework for sustainable finance. The disclosure of information affects the perception of companies' sustainability performance, which will affect their access to financial resources and development opportunities. The main question is, both in theory and in practice, how companies can comply with the legislation in the future. It is essential for the competitiveness of Hungary's food industry to keep pace with future environmental sustainability requirements, so we examined the sustainability reporting practices of the sector's key companies in terms of their contribution to the environmental objectives set out in the taxonomy regulation. The research fits well with the EU's overall green transition regulatory procedure and our study is gap-filling at macro-regional and sectoral levels. The sustainability reports were assessed by content analysis using a scoring method. The results show that the sustainability reporting practices of food processing companies in Hungary differ significantly. Furthermore, greater emphasis must be placed on reporting and the credibility of the reports to meet future expectations. Foreign-owned companies and companies with more than 500 employees attribute greater importance to reporting. In the food processing sector, the disclosure of information and data under the taxonomy objectives of mitigation of climate change, sustainable use of water and marine resources, and transition to a circular economy was most common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finland shows strong support for reducing its climate footprint originating from the built environment as part of the national carbon neutrality goal by 2035. Two prime examples are increasing wood use in construction and favoring building renovation to alleviate emissions from the use of virgin construction materials. However, the open question remains whether citizens also support these decarbonization pathways. By using national-level data from a randomly sampled citizen survey in Finland (n = 1448), we model citizen preferences to these two decarbonization pathways. The results suggest that a preference to renovate rather than to build anew is shown by respondents of the female gender; over 55 years of age; with a lower household equivalent income; and possessing housing property investment. Wood material is positively favored by respondents with higher age; a lower household equivalent income; living in smaller population centers in the countryside; and owning forestland. Interestingly, the effect of climate agency was negative in both models. This can be interpreted in the wood material case as reflecting conflicting views of negative environmental effects from forest harvesting to produce renewable building materials. In the renovation model case, we argue that the climatic impact of renovations remain weakly understood by citizens in Finland, given that the media and national regulations emphasize operational emissions. These results benefit both policy makers and municipal-level decision making in understanding of acceptability of wood material use and building retrofits among the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding and implementing strategies to adapt to climate change is essential for maintaining the livelihoods and well-being of the human population. In Colombia, interest in climate change is increasing, reflected in growing attention towards adaptation and mitigation strategies. There is a lack of detailed research on this subject, especially in ecologically significant areas like the La Mojana region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of different focus population groups such as fishermen, farmers and ranchers on climate change, regional adaptation strategies and implementation of public policies in the La Mojana Region of Northern Colombia, which is highly vulnerable to extreme climate phenomena. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess the dynamics of scientific production at both national and global levels, focusing on the perception and adaptation policies related to climate change. METHODS: Data collection for this study involved conducting semi-structured questionnaire interviews with 420 participants from the fishing, agriculture, and livestock sectors. The aim was to gain insights into their perspectives on climate change risks and the mitigation measures they have implemented. A bibliometric analysis using the SCOPUS scientific database was conducted to explore global and Latin American publication trends related to climate change perception and adaptation policies, with a particular focus on Colombia. This analysis emphasizes the latest trends in research and the scholarly influence in the areas of climate change, public policies, and strategies for adaptation. FINDINGS: The findings indicated that all participants observed changes in climate patterns over the past two decades, specifically in terms of irregular rainfall patterns and disruptions in traditional sowing and harvesting cycles that were once considered predictable. Focus groups' perception aligned with historical meteorological data on flood and La Niña phenomena. Priorities for government intervention include response to early emergencies, community participation, and stakeholder collaboration in future planning. Various strategies for adaptation were implemented, such as the management of communities, conservation of ecosystems, construction of resilient housing and livestock management, sustainable water management, and diversification of crops. Colombia ranks third in Latin America for scientific production on climate change perception and adaptation policies, with political context and international compliance key factors. CONCLUSION: The study highlights how climate change affects psychological well-being through social and economic insecurity, exacerbated by the local government's lack of intervention to mitigate the vulnerability of focal groups and strengthen their adaptation and resilience capacities against climate change Colombia's significant contribution to regional scientific production on climate change perception highlights the pressing requirement for further research to explore these issues and improve adaptation strategies in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Efforts to enhance carbon stocks and boost carbon absorption potential are essential for climate change mitigation. Peatland ecosystems, known for their high organic content, are particularly vulnerable to environmental management. The study aimed to examine the alterations in land use and land cover that occurred between 1998 and 2022, spanning a 24-year duration. Additionally, it sought to assess the associated variations in carbon stocks within the designated Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area. The area under investigation encompasses a peatland ecosystem that has experienced substantial changes in land cover and land use. This study investigated the fluctuations in carbon stock caused by these alterations and provides valuable perspectives on the potential of agroforestry systems to promote a wider range of land uses. Additionally, it highlights their role in ecosystem restoration initiatives and the better management of forest peatland regions. METHODS: A spatial analysis was conducted on Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images by using shapefile data stored within the Google Earth Engine platform. Data analysis was carried out using Classification and Regression Tree, a decision tree algorithm used in machine learning for guided classification. Furthermore, purposive sampling was utilized to gather socioeconomic data, followed by the implementation of a benefit-cost analysis. FINDINGS: The results revealed significant changes in the land cover within the Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area over a 24-year period, with forested areas and open areas decreasing by 23.15 hectares per year and 16.94 hectares per year respectively, and oil palm plantation areas expanding by 40.10 hectares per year. From 1998 to 2022, there has been a consistent annual decline in carbon stocks, resulting in a reduction of 1,933.11 tons of carbon per year. The changes in land use and cover are closely linked to this decline. In an effort to increase plant species diversity in the area and support the gradual transition away from monoculture, a participatory agroforestry scheme was implemented by intercropping Coffea liberica and Shorea balangeran between oil palm rows in a 2-hectare oil palm plantation block within the agroforestry demonstration plot. According to measurements taken at breast height, the aboveground biomass of these species was measured, leading to projected estimates of carbon stocks in Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area reaching 19,455 tonnes of carbon by the year 2030, with Coffea liberica contributing 4,148 tonnes carbon and Shorea balangeran contributing 15,307 tonnes carbon. CONCLUSION: The study area experienced a substantial reduction in forest cover, whereas the extent of oil palm areas expanded significantly. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to strengthen the governance of specific-purpose forest areas through community empowerment and the establishment of demonstration plots to promote agroforestry development. The results of this study provide insights for long-term forest rehabilitation strategies aimed at fostering sustainable forest management that yields environmental and socio-economic benefits in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between responsible leadership and triple bottom line (TBL) performance among food establishment owners and managers in Brgy. New Isabela, Tacurong City, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 13 (Climate Action). This study is among the first to explore the role of responsible leadership in TBL performance within the context of local food establishments. The study encompasses 57 respondents, representing a total enumeration of food establishment owners and managers in the area. Employing a quantitative research design with a descriptive-correlational approach, the study utilizes purposive sampling. Adapted and contextualized questionnaires were administered, and data analysis involved Mean, Pearson Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings indicate responsible leadership among food establishment owners and managers in Brgy. New Isabela is characterized by a very high level, notably in stakeholder relations, ethics and values, self-awareness, systems thinking, and change and innovation. TBL performance levels as indicated by the societal, environmental, and economic performance are also assessed as very high. The study reveals a significant relationship between responsible leadership and TBL performance. Additionally, it identifies systems thinking as significantly influencing TBL performance, highlighting its importance in decisionmaking processes. The implications of the study suggest that responsible leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing both economic and environmental performance within food establishments, aligning with SDGs 8 and 13. By emphasizing the influence of systems thinking on TBL performance, the study advocates for strategic decision-making that benefits not only business operations but also contributes positively to the economy and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sustainable chemistry underlying the quest to minimize and/or valorize waste in the carbon‐neutral manufacture of chemicals is followed over the last four to five decades. Both chemo‐ and biocatalysis have played an indispensable role in this odyssey. in particular developments in protein engineering, metagenomics and bioinformatics over the preceding three decades have played a crucial supporting role in facilitating the widespread application of both whole cell and cell‐free biocatalysis. The pressing need, driven by climate change mitigation, for a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has precipitated an energy transition based on decarbonization of energy and defossilization of organic chemicals production. The latter involves waste biomass and/or waste CO2 as the feedstock and green electricity generated using solar, wind, hydroelectric or nuclear energy. The use of waste polysaccharides as feedstocks will underpin a renaissance in carbohydrate chemistry with pentoses and hexoses as base chemicals and bio‐based solvents and polymers as environmentally friendly downstream products. The widespread availability of inexpensive electricity and solar energy has led to increasing attention for electro(bio)catalysis and photo(bio)catalysis which in turn is leading to myriad innovations in these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silvopasture is a form of agroforestry that has been practiced around the globe for millennia and involves integrating trees, livestock, and forage within the same area. Recent increased attention and research on this practice has provided greater evidence that it can deliver both economic and environmental benefits, including climate mitigation and adaptation. However, it is not widely used in the United States. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the current state of silvopasture and opportunities for expansion of this practice in California, one of the primary agricultural regions in the United States. California is geographically suited to silvopasture and already has large land areas dedicated to both orchards and grazing though these two types of agriculture are typically managed and documented separately. We report the results of our statewide survey of silvopasture producers, including benefits, motivations, and challenges associated with this practice. Finally, we recommend ways in which the barriers to silvopasture adoption could be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ambiguity is part of most of the daily life decisions. It can affect the way people deal with environmental threats, especially when they face a social dilemma. Method: We run an experiment where every group of four subjects is exposed to a risk that may result in a loss for each member. Subjects must decide on the allocation of their resources between mitigation strategies that allow them to decrease the probability of a disaster occurring for the group, and adaptation strategies that allow them to reduce the magnitude of that disaster for themselves only. In a first treatment (called Risk), subjects perfectly know the probability of occurrence of the event. We introduce ambiguity with regard to that probability in a second treatment (called Ambiguity), and in a third treatment (called Information Acquisition), subjects have the possibility to pay to obtain information allowing them to eliminate ambiguity. Results and discussion: The results show that the introduction of ambiguity has no impact on average contributions compared to the Risk treatment. However, individual decisions to mitigate or to adapt are affected by subjects' attitude toward risk and ambiguity. In more than half of the cases, subjects are willing to pay to obtain information, which argues in favor of greater dissemination of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The global rise in climatic calamities necessitates effective strategies for understanding and addressing Earth's climate complexities. Although recent research underscores simulation tools' effectiveness in elucidating complex concepts related to Earth's climate, partner influence on climatic decisions within simulation studies has been overlooked. Methods: Employing the Partner Interactive Climate Change Simulator (P-ICCS), we examined 180 participants across varied conditions. The study manipulated partner nature (optimal, irrational, or none) and climate change probability (high or low) to observe effects on participants' responses (mitigation or adaptation) within P-ICCS. Results: Results revealed a significant impact of partner presence, with the optimal partner notably enhancing monetary investments against climate change compared to the irrational partner. Intriguingly, climate change probability did not sway participants' investment behavior. Discussion: The findings emphasize the pivotal role of partner influence in climate decision-making, offering insights for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is significantly and enduringly impacting global agricultural supply chains (ASCs), underscoring the urgent need to enhance their climate resilience. This study aims to identify key strategies for building agricultural supply chain resilience (ASCRes) in the context of climate change and their interrelationships. Through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations, a framework of 12 strategies was developed. Using survey data from 312 Chinese ASC companies, BP-DEMATEL-ISM and PLS-SEM methods were employed to conduct causal analysis and factor level evaluation. The results indicate that "diversification of agricultural products and supply chain (SC) networks," "Agriculture 4.0 and digital transformation," and "taking proactive climate action" are critical strategies to enhance ASCRes in the context of climate change. These findings can provide theoretical basis for farmers, ASC companies, and governments to cope with the impact of climate change, so as to buildmore robust ASC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue carbon refers to the carbon fixed in marine ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. Considered a treasure house for capturing and storing carbon dioxide, it can alleviate environmental issues linked to climate change and positively influence the environments where people live. Thus, to clarify the hotspots and development trends of blue carbon research, bibliometric analysis incorporating ScientoPy and VOSviewer software were used to quantitatively analyze 4,604 blue carbon publications from Web of Science and Scopus databases between 1993 and 2023. The results indicate a rapidly growing number of published studies on blue carbon, with blue carbon research being multifaceted and gradually becoming an interdisciplinary and international topic. This study on blue carbon, which is based on keyword clustering analysis, comprises three stages. The analysis of the strength of the cooperative connections between scholars in various countries who have published work on blue carbon. found that the cooperation networks of developed countries are strong and those of developing countries are relatively weak. Quantitative trend analysis reveals a growing focus on the restoration and conservation of blue carbon ecosystems, with remote sensing being the predominant technology used in the blue carbon research field in recent years. In blue carbon research, increasing carbon sequestration capacity, climate change mitigation, and carbon sequestration in macroalgae remain potential hotspots for research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As governments and multilateral institutions launch projects and programs to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, the challenge lies in determining their effectiveness. The high complexity of climate-change programs often makes it difficult to determine their effectiveness through standard monitoring and evaluation procedures. ‘complexity-aware monitoring’ is a qualitative approach to monitoring, recently introduced by international development programs. This increasing awareness of complexity in the evaluation sector opens up a window of opportunity for complexity science to support climate change mitigation and adaptation programs. This paper’s contribution is a hands-on methodology for live monitoring and evaluation of development programs. The methodology is rooted in existing literature on social–ecological systems, as pioneered by Ostrom, and in quantitative methods from complexity science. To illustrate the methodology, an existing climate mitigation project in Madagascar, funded, monitored and evaluated by the Green Climate Fund, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reef-building coral populations are at serious risk of collapse due to the combined effects of ocean warming and acidification. Nonetheless, many corals show potential to adapt to the changing ocean conditions. Here we examine the broad sense heritability (H2) of coral calcification rates across an ecologically and phylogenetically diverse sampling of eight of the primary reef-building corals across the Indo-Pacific. We show that all eight species exhibit relatively high heritability of calcification rates under combined warming and acidification (0.23–0.56). Furthermore, tolerance to each factor is positively correlated and the two factors do not interact in most of the species, contrary to the idea of trade-offs between temperature and pH sensitivity, and all eight species can co-evolve tolerance to elevated temperature and reduced pH. Using these values together with historical data, we estimate potential increases in thermal tolerance of 1.0–1.7°C over the next 50 years, depending on species. None of these species are probably capable of keeping up with a high global change scenario and climate change mitigation is essential if reefs are to persist. Such estimates are critical for our understanding of how corals may respond to global change, accurately parametrizing modelled responses, and predicting rapid evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, produced from the thermochemical conversion of biomass waste, has various applications owing to its broad utility and advantageous properties. This study employs a scientometric approach to comprehensively assess the advancements in biochar application from 2022 to 2023. Utilizing 13,357 bibliographic records sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection with the search term "biochar", the analysis focuses on authorship, national contributions, and keyword trends. Findings demonstrate a continual rise in annual publications since 2009, albeit with a moderated growth rate in 2023. China leads in publication outputs, followed by USA and India, with Hailong Wang emerging as a prominent figure in biochar research. Keyword co-occurrence analyses identify key research themes such as biochar's role in climate change mitigation, easing salinity and drought stress, immobilizing toxic metals, degrading organic pollutants, serving as additives in anaerobic digestion, and functioning as electrodes in microbial fuel cells. Among these, biochar's application for global climate change mitigation gains significant attention, while its utilization as electrodes in microbial fuel cells emerges as a promising research frontier, indicating the growing need for sustainable energy sources. The study also outlines critical research gaps and future priorities for enhancing biochar application. Overall, it highlights the diverse applicability of biochar and offers valuable insight into research progression and forthcoming directions in biochar studies. Highlights: Utilization of bibliometric review for keyword analysis. Examination of recent developments in biochar application. The emerging focus on biochar's effectiveness as electrodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Suggested future research directions and priorities for sustainable biochar application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to biodiversity declines worldwide, over 190 nations committed to protect 30% of their lands and waters by 2030 (hereafter, 30×30). Systematic conservation planning and return on investment analysis can be helpful tools for determining where protection efforts could deliver the most efficient and effective reserve design, and supporting decision‐making when trade‐offs among objectives are required. Here, we propose a framework for efficient “30×30” implementation and apply it to the state of California (USA). Because conservation of a region's full suite of biodiversity is the primary objective of the global initiative, we prioritized representation in our analysis. We used Zonation to identify networks that close the gap in representation of major habitat types in California's protected area network and that also conserve the places important for biodiversity or climate change mitigation. We identified networks that are efficient relative to metrics likely to be important in implementation including land acquisition cost, number of transactions, and conservation benefit per hectare, and we illustrate not only trade‐offs associated with these metrics but also differences in the co‐benefits achieved. Five of the eight major habitat types in California are not currently protected at a 30% level statewide, and if representation was achieved solely through private land acquisition, targets could be met for as little as $5.84 billion, with as few as 364 transactions, or with 2.18 million additional conserved hectares. Implementation of 30×30 will likely require more flexibility than a single network design. A “no regrets” action would be to protect properties that were prioritized across all networks and additional implementation should include properties with characteristics of any of the individual networks. Our analytical framework and implementation guidance can be applied to other geographies and jurisdictions to increase the likelihood of both meeting 30×30 targets and delivering the conservation benefits they aim to secure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on participatory research with secondary school learners in Perú and Uganda that shows how environmental and social (in) justices are interwoven and embedded in young people's experiences of the natural world. These experiences contrast with learners' accounts of environmental education in secondary schooling, in which the notion of justice is comparatively, and therefore conspicuously, absent. We employ four distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of justice—biocentric and anthropocentric notions of environmental justice, including climate justice, and epistemic justice—to analyse how learners understand responsibilities for climate action, and what change they anticipate and hope for in the future. Observing that ethical frameworks enable learners to make sense of the complexity of human and more‐than‐human relationships within natural ecosystems, we argue that a multiple justice framework in formal schooling is needed. A multiple justice approach to environmental education could support learners to develop a critical consciousness in and about the natural world, and to imagine and be motivated to act in support of a better future. Our findings are based on accounts from 123 secondary school learners in eight schools—four schools in northern Uganda and four in diverse regions of Perú. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the opportunities and challenges that climate change presents for development and poverty alleviation. It emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in addressing climate change, as low-income countries are likely to be disproportionately affected. The article discusses practical challenges such as limited budgets and the need for global cooperation. It also highlights the limitations of market-based solutions and the need for a just transition. The text calls for greater representation of developing countries in global governance and a focus on economic development and human welfare in climate action. It argues for a new paradigm of climate justice that prioritizes developmental impact and wealth creation. The article emphasizes the need for deep emission reductions in high-income countries, support for resilience and compensation for harms, and ensuring that the costs of transitioning to low-carbon futures are not borne by the world's poor. It discusses the opportunities for development in low-carbon technologies and climate-resilient approaches, but acknowledges the challenges in realizing these opportunities. The text calls for a global compact that includes both developed and developing countries taking action on climate change, with support for financing and adaptation. It highlights the potential role of African countries in the climate solution and calls for fair financing mechanisms and market access for Africa. The article discusses the need for a paradigm shift in climate finance away from concessional lending and official development assistance, and the limitations of relying solely on financial pledges. It concludes by emphasizing the need for effective and urgent action to combat climate change, including regulatory changes and a shift in investor perception. The article highlights [Extracted from the article]

The way in which climate change-related information is framed can influence not only cognitive outcomes but also emotional responses. This web-based experiment (n = 331) investigated the effects of strategy framing and issue framing on emotions and online climate action intentions in the context of climate relationship between China and the United States. Results indicated that strategy framing increased negative emotions (i.e., anxiety and anger), whereas issue framing triggered more positive emotions (i.e., pride and excitement). No significant difference was observed regarding climate action intentions between two groups. Additionally, anxiety and anger mediated the effects of message framing on online climate action intentions. Habitual worry about climate change and attitude toward China-U.S. climate collaboration moderated the effects of strategy framing and issue framing on discrete emotions. The findings offer theoretical insights regarding emotional responses to strategy framing and practical implications on climate communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nigeria Government through the Energy Commission of Nigeria has been promoting biomass as one of the renewable energy sources with little emphasis on biogas technology. These efforts were meant to encourage the adoption of alternate sources of energy and shift from traditional forms of energy like firewood which have devastating effects on the environment. A policy reviewed of was conducted and identified that Nigeria's Energy Policy has no technology listed to aggregate and deploy biogas as a tool for Nigeria's climate goals and enhance energy access. This study aims to investigate through scientific and policy review of how biogas technology penetration could be legislated in the Nigeria energy policy. Works of literatures reviewed (over 70 scientific articles) revealed that policy among other factors is prominent as the main caveat that limits the penetration of biogas technology in many developing countries including Nigeria. Social acceptance, awareness and availability of feedstock are also regarded as part of the challenges facing adopting biogas technology as an alternative clean energy source. The current study has also presented a strategic policy framework that could be considered for biogas policy adoption. In addition, the study has revealed that identification and appropriate stakeholder consultation is key to enhance achieving a holistic policy that fully supports biogas technology in Nigeria. The study has provided robust policy recommendations for deploying biogas technology in the Nigeria energy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change demands urgent action to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and explore methods for atmospheric carbon removal. Forest residues, a significant biomass resource, represent a readily available solution. With the use of life cycle assessment (LCA), this study investigates the environmental advantages of thermochemical processes utilizing forest residues to produce valuable energy-dense products, like syngas, bio-oil, and biochar, providing a carbon sink. While slow pyrolysis emphasizes biochar production for carbon sequestration, gasification focuses on bioenergy generation. This research evaluates the environmental performance of both techniques in terms of carbon sequestration and GHG emissions mitigation. This comprehensive analysis aims to identify critical factors influencing the environmental sustainability of thermochemical processes in forest management. The findings aim to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals by highlighting the environmental advantages of biochar in mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest restoration is a powerful tool that combats forest loss and mitigates climate change. Our review asks how climate change considerations are integrated into forest restoration. We asked: (1) How many articles about forest restoration practices discuss climate change; (2) has this changed over time; and (3) when climate change is mentioned, how is it considered? We used the framework created by Simonson et al. in 2021, which describes seven unique areas where practitioners can consider climate change impacts in their projects. These areas include adjusting species and location for projected changes to fitness, mitigating risks, and aligning practice with policy. We reviewed the literature through Web of Science and evaluated publications for inclusion of these considerations. We found that the number of publications about forest restoration projects has increased significantly since the early 2000s, exceeding 200 in 2021. The proportion of these including the terms “climate change” or “global warming,” has also increased (35% in 2021). Climate change concepts were only considered in what we defined as an “in‐depth” context in 83 of the 186 publications we reviewed (45%). However, the majority of publications (115 of 186, 61%) did incorporate at least one of the seven considerations, even if they did not satisfy our definition for in‐depth climate change consideration. Several articles discussed other considerations not described by Simonson et al. (2021), leading us to recommend adding an eighth criterion to their framework: consider place‐based communities and Indigenous Knowledge Holders' responses to climate change in forest restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next decade will see severe environmental and technological risks, pushing our adaptive capacity to its limits. The EPBD Case Green directive, to counter this phenomenon, emphasizes accelerating building renovations, reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption, and promoting renewable energy installations. Additionally, it calls for deadlines to phase out fossil fuels and mandates solar system installations. This research provides a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities for and challenges of incorporating renewable energy into the built environment. It focuses on the 2961 residential buildings on Procida, a small island located south of Italy, to efficiently utilize energy resources and lay the groundwork for sustainability. Beginning with an analysis of the territorial, urban, historical–conservation, structural, and geological context, in addition to environmental assessments, the research develops a classification and archetypalization system using in-house software. This system aggregates data on the island's residential buildings, analyzes their current state, and formulates various intervention scenarios. These scenarios demonstrate how integrating technological–environmental design interventions, such as upgrading the building envelope and enhancing bioclimatic behavior, with energy retrofitting measures, such as replacing mechanical systems and installing solar panels, can improve the overall performance of the existing building stock and achieve energy self-sufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change presents a substantial global threat to human health and wellbeing. Planetary health, an emerging field, provides a comprehensive framework to comprehend the intricate interplay between ecological stability, human health, and ecosystems, particularly within the context of climate change. This study investigates the planetary health perspective on climate change by exploring global knowledge. The Scopus database is used as the source of data. The analysis encompassed a performance evaluation aimed at scrutinizing both quantitative and qualitative indicators. Visualization techniques utilizing VOSviewer software were deployed to analyze collaboration patterns, co-citation links among prominent knowledge-sharing platforms, and key topics derived from keyword co-occurrence matrices. Additionally, using SciMAT software, the study conducted thematic evolution and intellectual analyses to identify both driving and emerging themes, while also examining coherence among different themes across various periods. The study also explores policy implications, and the relevance of COVID-19 in the context of planetary health and climate change. Through this analysis, 261 relevant publications are identified, with the United States being the leading contributor (90 documents; 34.5% of publications). At the institutional level, the Australian National University secured the top position, representing 4.6% of the total with 12 documents. The Lancet Planetary Health journal was the most prolific source, contributing 15 documents (5.7%). In terms of impact, The Lancet journal held a central position as the most cited source. The primary funding organization was the Wellcome Trust, based in the United Kingdom. Motor themes shaping the future of this field include vector-borne diseases, human demographics, informal settlements, air pollution, carbon footprint of animal-based foods, and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. The study underscores the significance of leveraging the momentum surrounding infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the impacts of climate change to advance planetary health concepts. Integration of the social sciences and enhanced multidisciplinary cooperation are crucial for progress. Additionally, increased funding for developing countries, and legislative empowerment are essential to foster further research. Article Highlights: Planetary health and climate change global knowledge is analyzed using performance analysis and visualization mapping. Stimulating collaboration to advance the principles of planetary health is fundamental for effectively combating climate change. Managing the socioeconomic determinants of equity and health deserves to be the top priority of climate change initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we advocate agroforestry as a sustainable agricultural method that leverages biodiversity and ecosystem services, simultaneously tackling the problems of adaptation and mitigation to climate change, and of land restoration for sustainable agriculture across scales. While the rise of industrial agriculture has been instrumental in addressing the food demands of an expanding global population, enhancing food quality, yield, productivity, and efficiency, we must now reckon with the consequences. This advancement, which prioritizes simplification, specialization, and external inputs, has escalated detrimental externalities including deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, pollution, and an increase in greenhouse gases, contributing significantly to global warming and to exacerbated environmental crises. These demand urgent attention. In response, various agricultural methodologies such as organic, biodynamic, ecological, and biological farming have emerged, attempting to propose alternatives. However, these methods have yet to significantly alter the trajectory of mainstream agriculture. For over two decades, we have devoted our efforts to developing and refining a multispecies integrated agroforestry system for the sustainable cultivation of Ilex paraguariensis, "yerba mate," in the subtropical north-east of Argentina. With "integrated" we mean that the trees are planted within the I. paraguariensis distribution, not between alleys as in "alley cropping" or "hedgrow intercropping." The experimental work we present here was designed and implemented to enable data comparisons across consociations of multiple species of trees, at a relevant experimental scale. We achieve soil preservation and restoration, productivity comparable to or exceeding monocultures, and a significant increase in resiliency, particularly evidenced during the extreme climate events of spring and summer 2021 and 2022. These results underscore agroforestry's potential for climate change mitigation and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study takes a unique approach to analyzing the sustainability and climate planning in major Hungarian cities. It conducts a qualitative analysis, examining the selected cities' sustainability and climate strategy objectives/goals. The aim is to comprehensively assess the extent of harmony between these objectives and identify potential hindering factors. An impact series with six distinct levels (+ + , + , 0, NR, −, –) was established for this analysis, from which positive (+ + , +), neutral (0, NR), and negative (−,–) categories were formulated. The main result of the study presents the efficiency score of the sustainability and climate goals, in which only the ratio of the positive impacts are covered. The findings reveal that the impacts of sustainability objectives show significant differences among the cities, particularly concerning positive and neutral effects. However, climate objectives present a more modest discrepancy regarding positive, neutral, and negative effects observed among the cities. There was no clear regional pattern in terms of sustainability and climate planning efficiency; on the other hand, Budapest, Győr, and Nyíregyháza emerged with outstanding performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), an ecologically and economically important forest species in East Asia, plays vital roles in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. However, intensifying climate change threatens moso bamboo survival. Here we generate high-quality haplotype-based pangenome assemblies for 16 representative moso bamboo accessions and integrated these assemblies with 427 previously resequenced accessions. Characterization of the haplotype-based pangenome reveals extensive genetic variation, predominantly between haplotypes rather than within accessions. Many genes with allele-specific expression patterns are implicated in climate responses. Integrating spatiotemporal climate data reveals more than 1050 variations associated with pivotal climate factors, including temperature and precipitation. Climate-associated variations enable the prediction of increased genetic risk across the northern and western regions of China under future emissions scenarios, underscoring the threats posed by rising temperatures. Our integrated haplotype-based pangenome elucidates moso bamboo's local climate adaptation mechanisms and provides critical genomic resources for addressing intensifying climate pressures on this essential bamboo. More broadly, this study demonstrates the power of long-read sequencing in dissecting adaptive traits in climate-sensitive species, advancing evolutionary knowledge to support conservation. Moso bamboo is a critical species for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change. This study presents a haplotype-based pangenome that uncovers substantial genetic diversity associated with climate adaptation and enables predictions of genetic vulnerability under future emission scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is a clean and green renewable energy source that can address the energy needs of rural India. This paper is a case study of three villages—Ranoli, Pranpura, and Kishanpur—in Bawal tehsil of Haryana, India, assessing the biomass resource and power generation potential, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and climate impact. The results show that study area can produce 2.13 kt of biomass annually, equivalent to 258.6 kW of power, with biomass resource density ranging between 0.167 and 0.205 kt/km2. The estimated emissions from biomass power generation are 453.91 t of CO 2 , 1.79 t of CH 4 , and 0.174 t of N 2 O . The global temperature change potential (GTP) climate metric is used to estimate the impacts of biomass power emissions on global surface temperature, showing that the first year's emissions would increase the global temperature by 0.27, 1, and 0.54 nK for biomass, coal, and natural gas-based power, respectively. The study highlights the potential of biomass in climate change mitigation and identifies challenges, such as spatio-temporal distribution, low power density, and competing uses, that need to be addressed for its large-scale adoption. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of biomass energy potential and its role in sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is a significant contributor to anthropogenic global warming. In recent years, agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in China, which is the largest emitter, has been decreasing. In order to identify whether or not Chinese agricultural development has affected GHG emission, we used the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) factor decomposition model to study the effect of productivity factors on GHG emission and their characteristics in four phases of Chinese agricultural development. The results indicate that land productivity is the most significantly promotion factor which contributes 1.12 Gt CO2e GHG emission growth. On the contrary, technological input intensity exerts an obvious mitigating effect with 1.57 Gt CO2e GHG emission reduction. The effects of productivity factors on GHG emission differ between household-based farming systems and large-scale management systems. A more nuanced perspective on the significant role of agricultural large-scale management in GHG emission could aid climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary Genebanks contribute to global food security, directly influencing societal well‐being, by providing access to seed or genetic material that is more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. The ability to develop crops adapted to changing environmental conditions and with high nutritional value means societies can better cope with the adverse effects of climate change, safeguarding food production and rural livelihoods. Enhancing sustainable crop traits, such as improved water‐use efficiency and nutrient utilization, supports the transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices. New technologically advanced phenotyping tools are required to optimally realize the potential of these genetic resources, to identify plant genetic resources that will best enable us to address current global challenges.Plant genebanks have a crucial role as specialized repositories, preserving diverse plant genetic resources and providing essential access to researchers, breeders, and farmers for developing resilient crops. With over 7 million global accessions, these genebanks significantly contribute to global food security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable agriculture. This opinion paper, inspired by an international workshop in 2022 in Wageningen (Netherlands), focuses on the transformative impact of phenomics technology within genebanks, offering a view on its potential applications and implications for preserving and utilizing plant genetic resources. Discussions from the 2022 workshop organized by the International Plant Phenotyping Network are integrated, emphasizing the potential of phenomics for global collaboration without requiring major policy developments. The workshop prioritized traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance, highlighting roots as a critical organ for phenotyping. Participants expressed a keen interest in global collaboration, emphasizing the need for partnerships between genebanks and advanced phenotyping facilities. The workshop's outcomes underscore the transformative impact of phenomics on genebanks, promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable agricultural practices. These results will guide future pilot studies, marking a significant step toward integrating phenomics into genebank practices and ensuring the continued prosperity of plant genetic heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Climate change poses numerous issues for indigenous populations in tropical cities worldwide, including reduced access to food, dwindling resources, and the proliferation of vector-borne illnesses. Indigenous communities are developing various mitigation and adaptation measures suitable for their distinct cultural and ecological demands. Methods: This study investigates the numerous indigenous climate change mitigation strategies (ICCMSs) being deployed in tropical cities, using secondary sources of data. The methodology involved a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines, encompassing the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion of relevant literature. From an initial 1,200 sources, 450 were screened, and 102 met the inclusion criteria for full-text assessment. Results: Findings indicate that common ICCMSs in tropical cities include the use of traditional knowledge systems and materials in urban green infrastructure projects, agroforestry, sustainable urban agriculture, urban afforestation and reforestation, and indigenous technologies and innovations in waste management practices. Indigenous peoples have benefited from greater education and understanding about climate change, empowering them to take action and lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Discussion: The study recommends that governments and international organizations support these mitigation efforts, incorporate them into public policy and urban planning for indigenous communities in tropical cities, and reduce global anthropogenic GHG emissions. Further studies are suggested to assess the effectiveness of these measures and their potential to enhance climate resilience in tropical cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the urgency of climate change action and the significant climate impact of household emissions, understanding the drivers of individuals' sustainable behavior patterns is more important than ever. Consequently, we investigate whether different clusters of individual users can be distinguished regarding sustainability-related values, attitudes, and intentions. If these diverse clusters exist, we can explore tailored approaches to promote sustainable behavior patterns among them based on their unique needs and targets. For this purpose, we employ a mixed-method approach combining qualitative interviews with a quantitative survey. The obtained insights help us identify core factors that drive sustainable behavior, develop representations of different user groups, and suggest individualized interventions for supporting sustainable behavior patterns. The qualitative part comprised interviews with ten participants, resulting in the development of qualitative personas. Emerging differences could subsequently be used to select validated psychological scales for the quantitative part to confirm the differences. Applying data-driven clustering, we identify five intention-based clusters that vary regarding factors such as belief in climate change, collaboration, or skepticism concerning sustainability. Building on both qualitative and quantitative insights, five validated personas are created for research and practical use. These personas include Socially Sustainable, Responsible Savers, Unconcerned Spenders, Comfort-Oriented, and Skeptical Consumers. Individuals corresponding to the selected persona may, for example, respond positively to sustainability benefits, while others may be more receptive to hedonistic benefits. Addressing related varying motivational factors raises the demand for individualized interventions. These could be achieved by incorporating the personas' needs with more individualized products and services to promote sustainable behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aims to evaluate the impact of climatological factors on rice yield and methane emissions in Southern Shaanxi’s rice cultivation areas, with the goal of informing effective Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) strategies. Methods: A three-year longitudinal analysis (2017-2019) was conducted, examining the correlation between rice productivity and weather conditions within the agricultural ecosystem. Data on rice yields and methane emissions were collected and analyzed to determine patterns and trends. Results: Significant correlations were identified between rice yield and weather conditions, with favorable weather for rice growth correlating with higher methane emissions. Methane emissions were particularly high during the vegetative and reproductive stages of rice growth, peaking 60 to 90 days after transplanting. Average emissions for this period were 245.2±80.1 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2017, 274.2±93.9 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2018, and 339.6±50.3 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2019. Total cumulative methane emissions over the entire rice cultivation period were 635.0±177.2 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2017, 661.2±239.2 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2018, and 679.4±205.4 kg CH4 ha-1 in 2019, with no statistically significant interannual differences. Discussion: The findings highlight the need to balance the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for climate change mitigation with the enhancement of rice yield within CSA practices. The organic link between rice productivity and methane emissions under varying weather conditions suggests that an integrated approach to CSA is essential, considering climate adaptability, productivity, and greenhouse gas reduction. The study’s results contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of local agricultural ecosystems and provide a basis for developing management techniques for CSA. Conclusion: An integrated approach to CSA that takes into account the interplay between rice yield, methane emissions, and climatological factors is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural practices in Southern Shaanxi. The study’s insights can guide the development of strategies that enhance both rice productivity and environmental sustainability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the carbon offset potential in Espoo, Finland, by comparing a construction-impacted deforestation site with a larger conserved forest area. Addressing a knowledge gap in localized forest conservation as a CO2 offset method, our research quantifies the carbon stock and sequestration impacts under both baseline and alternative scenarios for the two study sites. The baseline scenario for offset site reflects standard forest management practices, while the alternative scenario involves complete forest conservation without active management. Our findings reveal that the conserved forest (79 ha), dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), increased its carbon stock by 26 Mg C ha-1 in soil and 65 Mg C ha-1 in biomass. This enhancement is sufficient to compensate for the smaller deforestation site's (19 ha), also containing a mix of Norway spruce and Scots pine, stock loss of 186 Mg C ha-1 in soil and 43 Mg C ha-1 in biomass. Furthermore, this study illuminates the complexities of CO2 compensation regulation and emphasizes the necessity for robust, transparent carbon accounting practices. The insights offer a valuable perspective on integrating nature-based solutions in urban planning to achieve broader ecological and climate goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, an exponentially growing number of meta-analyses (MAs) synthesize thousands of peer-reviewed studies on the environmental impacts of farming practices (FPs). This paper describes the iMAP-FP evidence library, a comprehensive dataset on the effects of 34 categories of FPs (such as agronomic practices, cropping and livestock systems, land management options and mitigation techniques) on 34 impacts including climate mitigation, soil health, environmental pollution, water use, nutrients cycling, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity. Through systematic screening, 570 MAs published since 2000 were selected and categorized according to the type of FP. We assessed their impacts, the geographic regions covered, and their quality. We extracted 3,811 effects and their statistical significance associated with sustainable FPs (intervention) compared to a control (typically conventional agriculture) across 223 different intervention-control pairs. Our dataset is accompanied with an online free-access library, which includes a catalogue of synthetic reports summarizing the available evidence on each evaluated FP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses Ghana’s climate-change legal and policy frameworks, pinpointing significant gaps and offering targeted recommendations to bolster the nation’s resilience against climate change. Despite Ghana’s commitments under international agreements and the formulation of national policies, challenges persist in policy implementation, sectoral integration, research, stakeholder engagement, funding and adaptation strategies. The paper argues for a robust, integrated approach to enhance Ghana’s climate governance, highlighting the necessity for improved implementation capacity, cross-sectoral policy harmonisation, enhanced climate data collection, active stakeholder participation, innovative financing and a stronger focus on adaptation and resilience. Key recommendations advocate for political commitment, collaborative efforts and resource mobilisation to ensure effective climate action. This condensed analysis contributes to the broader dialogue on climate-change management in emerging economies, offering insights for policy-makers and stakeholders on advancing climate resilience and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing of forests is a powerful tool for monitoring the biodiversity of ecosystems, maintaining general planning, and accounting for resources. Various sensors bring together heterogeneous data, and advanced machine learning methods enable their automatic handling in wide territories. Key forest properties usually under consideration in environmental studies include dominant species, tree age, height, basal area and timber stock. Being proxies of stand productivity, they can be utilized for forest carbon stock estimation to analyze forests' status and proper climate change mitigation measures on a global scale. In this study, we aim to develop an effective machine learning-based pipeline for automatic carbon stock estimation using solely freely available and regularly updated satellite observations. We employed multispectral Sentinel-2 remote sensing data to predict forest structure characteristics and produce their detailed spatial maps. Using the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm in classification and regression settings and management-level inventory data as reference measurements, we achieved quality of predictions of species equal to 0.75 according to the F1-score, and for stand age, height, and basal area, we achieved an accuracy of 0.75, 0.58 and 0.56, respectively, according to the R2. We focused on the growing stock volume as the main proxy to estimate forest carbon stocks on the example of the stem pool. We explored two approaches: a direct approach and a hierarchical approach. The direct approach leverages the remote sensing data to create the target maps, and the hierarchical approach calculates the target forest properties using predicted inventory characteristics and conversion equations. We estimated stem carbon stock based on the same approach: from Earth observation imagery directly and using biomass and conversion factors developed for the northern regions. Thus, our study proposes an end-to-end solution for carbon stock estimations based on the complexation of inventory data at the forest stand level, Earth observation imagery, machine learning predictions and conversion equations for the region. The presented approach enables more robust and accurate large-scale assessments using limited annotated datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]