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SUMMARY The assessment for realistic CO2-adsorption capacities of different rocks is important for understanding the processes associated with CO2 storage. This paper investigates the adsorption characteristics of rocks for CO2 (limestone, sandstone, marl, claystone, clay, siltstone and metamorphic rock) by using a gravimetric method. The measurements were performed at 21°C with pressures from 1 up to 4 MPa. Sandstone (and clay with sand/sandstone) showed the largest adsorption capacity at 21°C. The highest amount of in situ CO2 contents in measured samples was 21.4 kg/t. The CO2-adsorption capacities were lower than past results in different coal samples. The results indicate that adsorption of CO2 into rocks may play an important role in storing CO2 in subsurface rock. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uncertainties related to the climate impact studies are reviewed on the case of onion thrips in Slovenia. Paper illustrates cumulative uncertainty introduced by future emission scenarios, general circulation models, downscaling procedures, weather generators and impact (degree-day) models as common tools in climate impact studies. The result of cumulative uncertainty is a wide range of expected warming in Slovenia in the 21st century. An expected increase of air temperature, relative to 1990, is between 1.5 and 7°C till the end of present century. Due to heterogeneity of the present climate conditions in Slovenia, quite uniform air temperature increase on the entire area will have different impact on the change of cumulative degree-days (DD) and related number of generations of onion thrips per year (N gen) in different regions. An example of Ljubljana and Bilje shows that larger increase of DD and related N gen is expected for regions with warmer climate. As a result, more damage will probably be caused in areas that are already strongly exposed to the problem of onion thrips. Harmfulness of the pest in the areas, where it is not a serious threat at present, will also increase. However, we have to be fully aware of a large amount of uncertainty related to studies of climate change impact while interpreting their results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Successful implementation of cooling strategies obviously depends on identifying effective interventions, but in industrial settings, it is equally important to consider feasibility and economic viability. Many cooling interventions are available, but the decision processes affecting adoption by end-users are not well elucidated. We therefore arranged two series of meetings with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps, receive feedback on proposed cooling interventions, and discuss factors affecting implementation of heat-health interventions. This included four meetings attended by employers, employees, and health and safety officers (n = 41), and three meetings attended primarily by policy makers (n = 74), with feedback obtained via qualitative and quantitative questionnaires and focus group discussions. On a 10-point scale, both employers and employees valued worker safety (9.1 ± 1.8; mean±SD) and health (8.5 ± 1.9) as more important than protecting company profits (6.3 ± 2.3). Of the respondents, 41% were unaware of any cooling strategies at their company and of those who were aware, only 30% thought the interventions were effective. Following presentation of proposed interventions, the respondents rated "facilitated hydration", "optimization of clothing/protective equipment", and "rescheduling of work tasks" as the top-three preferred solutions. The main barriers for adopting cooling interventions were cost, feasibility, employer perceptions, and legislation. In conclusion, preventing negative health and safety effects was deemed to be more important than preventing productivity loss. Regardless of work sector or occupation, both health and wealth were emphasized as important parameters and considered as somewhat interrelated. However, a large fraction of the European worker force lacks information on effective measures to mitigate occupational heat stress. List of abbreviations: OH-Stress: Occupational heat stress; WBGT: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban heat island phenomenon (UHI) is a consequence of anthropogenic activity and local climatic conditions. Most UHI studies address large metropolitan areas. However, the data show that UHI magnitude can reach high values even in small urban systems. The study focused on the seasonal dynamics of the UHI magnitude variable (average, maximum and minimum temperature anomaly) in the town of Ljutomer by considering different weather types. Under anticyclonic or advective air circulation pattern, predominantly in summer, UHI magnitude in Ljutomer can reach values comparable to midsize or large urban systems (up to 8°C). The results of such studies are of particular concern in regard to increasing frequency of heat waves as a consequence of climate change, which further increases the already present heat stress in cities all over the Globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human population is increasing. The ongoing urbanization process, in conjunction with climate change, is causing larger environmental footprints. Consequently, quality of life in urban systems worldwide is under immense pressure. Here, the seasonal characteristics of Maribor's urban thermal environment were studied from the perspectives of surface urban heat island (SUHI) and urban heat island (UHI) A remote sensing thermal imagery time series and in-situ measurements (stationary and mobile) were combined with select geospatial predictor variables to model this atmospheric phenomenon in its most intensive season (summer). Finally, CMIP6 climate change scenarios and models were considered, to predict future UHI intensity. Results indicate that Maribor's UHI intensity maximum shifted from winter to spring and summer. The implemented generalized additive model (GAM) underestimates UHI intensity in some built-up parts of the study area and overestimates UHI intensity in green vegetated areas. However, by the end of the century, UHI magnitude could increase by more than 60% in the southern industrial part of the city. Such studies are of particular concern, in regards to the increasing frequency of heat waves due to climate change, which further increases the (already present) heat stress in cities across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]