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Land surface processes such as the soil moisture—air temperature coupling influence compound climate anomalies like heatwaves and droughts, yet the spatial and temporal variability of the coupling strength is still understudied. We assess global land exposure to concurrent heat waves and drought since the 1980s. We found that drought significantly shapes the spatial distribution of the risk of heat waves. We show that the portion of global land experiencing drought‐conditioned heat anomalies more than tripled in less than 3 decades. However, using such traditional heat waves indicators, the level of spatial coupling between heat waves and drought seems to decline. Conversely, time‐dependent approaches accounting for the baseline climate change offer a more stable perspective. We conclude that tailoring hazard definitions to specific processes and impacts is crucial. Early warning systems can play a prominent role in mitigating the impacts of global warming to society. Plain Language Summary: Climate change is increasing the risk of simultaneous heatwaves and droughts, which significantly impact ecosystems and society. These events are influenced by soil moisture and air temperature interactions, but the variability of this relationship is not well understood. Using data from observations and forecasts since the 1980s, we analyzed global exposure to these compound events. We found that drought significantly influences where heatwaves occur, with the area experiencing both drought and heatwaves more than tripling in less than 30 years. Traditional methods for detecting temperature anomalies may give misleading results, so we recommend using time‐dependent approaches that account for climate change. These approaches provide a clearer understanding of soil moisture‐air temperature interactions and are better for studying the impacts on adaptable systems. Traditional methods are still useful for assessing impacts on less adaptable ecosystems and some societal sectors. We also highlight the importance of weather forecasts in providing early warnings to help society adapt to global warming. Key Points: Drought significantly influences heatwave locations. The affected global land area tripled in under 30 yearsTime‐dependent approaches better reflect soil moisture‐air temperature interactions amid climate changeWeather forecasts are crucial for early warnings, aiding societal adaptation to global warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and heat stress pose significant challenges to livestock. Local breeds, particularly small ruminants, are gaining importance due to their adaptability to harsh climates. However, the extensive system they are commonly reared in leaves them exposed to the effects of climate change. This study aims to describe the distribution and climate-related challenges faced by registered Italian sheep and goat breeds over the past seven decades. Geolocalized data from all registered small ruminant farms were combined with climatic information retrieved from the "ERA-5-Land hourly data from 1950 to present" dataset. These data were used to calculate average daily temperature, temperature humidity index (THI), and total precipitation during summer. Additionally, THI-based heat waves (HWs) were examined, including the yearly number of HW days and mean THI during HW days. These data were analysed through linear regression models including region or breed, year, and their interaction as fixed factors. The climate data indicate a concerning trend of rising summer temperatures, THI, and HW frequency and intensity, particularly over the past three decades. Central-northern Italy, including the Po Valley and the Alpine Arch, is the most affected region, impacting breeds like Rosset and Brogne sheep, and Lariana and Frisa Valtellinese goats. This is of particular concern because these populations have not been selected for hot climates, and their already small population size exacerbates the problem. Conversely, southern Italy, characterized by hotter and drier temperatures, remained relatively stable. Breeds from this region, such as Girgentana and Nicastrese goats and Nera di Arbus sheep, might represent excellent case studies for climatic adaptation and potential resources for selection for resilience in the face of ongoing climate changes. The findings presented here are essential for the development of monitoring and intervention strategies for breeds facing future vulnerabilities, as well as for designing experiments to explore environmental adaptability in small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is twofold. From the practical point of view, an enhanced model for the description of thermoelectric effects at nanoscale is proposed. From the theoretical point of view, instead, in the particular case of the proposed model, the equivalence between two classical techniques for the exploitation of the second law of thermodynamics is shown, i.e., Onsager's method and Liu's technique. An analysis of the heat-wave propagation is performed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability and accuracy of high‐resolution Real‐Time Meso‐scale Analysis (RTMA) system is assessed over India for the first time. The RTMA is a high‐spatial (2.5 km) and temporal resolution analysis system for near‐surface weather conditions. It is used to simulate near‐surface air temperature over India during the Heatwave (HW) period 12th to 20th April 2023. The verification analysis of temperature using the GLDAS gridded temperature shows reasonable improvement in the analysis from RTMA by capturing regional features compared to first‐guess. The spatial and temporal verification using the IMD station observations also confirms the value addition of RTMA in capturing the locations of recorded highest Tmax and their daily variations. The location‐specific heat stress analysis of RTMA shows high skill over many locations during HW days. Heat stress regions have been accurately brought out in the RTMA. Hence, the RTMA can be used for now‐casting and severe weather monitoring. Plain Language Summary: Heat wave (HW) alert systems require accurate high‐resolution surface weather data for better adaption strategies. Real‐Time Meso‐scale Analysis (RTMA) system configured to generate surface weather parameters at a high‐spatial (2.5 km) and temporal (3 hrs) resolution at National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) for the very first time in India. We verified its performance in representing the HW conditions and extreme temperatures over the Indian region relative to India Meteorological Department (IMD) observations/Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) during the HW period of 12th to 20th April 2023. Our results indicate significant improvement in the spatial and temporal variations of daily maximum temperature simulated by RTMA system. We have noted lower absolute mean errors of ∼ 0.02 for the RTMA in predicting the Tmax over the HW affected regions of Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and East Uttar Pradesh when compared to the GFS model. These improvements have led to the better identification of the locations of higher heat risk through the computation of the Heat Index and highlight the applicability of RTMA. Overall this study clearly brings out the usability of RTMA final analysis fields for now‐casting and severe weather monitoring. Key Points: It is a first‐of‐its‐kind study to understand the applicability and accuracy of high‐resolution RTMA over India by analyzing heatwaveRTMA temperature analysis shows higher skill over the heatwave regions and locations as compared to the background fields and observationsThe study suggested that the RTMA final analysis fields are highly useable for severe weather monitoring and impact‐based weather forecasts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat waves pose significant health risks, particularly for the elderly, affecting renal function through dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and reduced renal perfusion.: Older adults exhibit increased serum creatinine and cystatin C levels during extreme heat due to age-related physiological changes, medication effects, and decreased renal reserve. These changes can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Comparative studies highlight the elderly's heightened vulnerability to heat-induced renal dysfunction compared to younger populations. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions to protect this at-risk group. Heatwaves pose significant health risks to the elderly, particularly concerning renal dysfunction. Antihypertensive medications, such as thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs, exacerbate the increase in creatinine levels through mechanisms involving dehydration, impaired kidney perfusion, heightened AKI risk, age-related renal changes, and interactions with comorbidities. Comparative effects of these medications highlight distinct pathways leading to renal impairment during extreme heat. Preventive measures, including adequate hydration, access to cooling environments, and regular medication reviews, are critical. Additionally, dietary adjustments such as protein restriction, increased fiber intake, sodium control, and maintaining hydration can support kidney health. Public health strategies must focus on mitigating the impact of heatwaves on elderly kidney function, ensuring safety during antihypertensive therapy, and further research is needed to develop targeted interventions for extreme heat exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress induced damage to the gastrointestinal barrier can induce local and systemic inflammatory reactions implicated in heat-stroke. Gastrointestinal barrier damage has been shown to be greater in older relative to young adults following hyperthermia. However, comparisons between young and older adults have been limited to brief exposures (3 h), which may not reflect the duration of heat stress experienced during heat waves. We therefore evaluated markers of intestinal epithelial damage (log transformed intestinal fatty acid binding protein, IFABPLOG), microbial translocation (soluble cluster of differentiation 14, sCD14LOG), and systemic inflammation (tumour necrosis factor alpha, TNF-αLOG; interleukin 6, IL-6LOG; C-reactive protein, CRP) in 19 young (interquartile range: 21–27 years; 10 females) and 37 older (68–73 years; 10 females) adults before and after 9 h of rest in 40 °C (9% relative humidity). The magnitude of the increase in IFABPLOG was 0.38 log pg/mL (95% CI, 0.10, 0.65 log pg/mL) greater in the older relative to young cohort (P = 0.049) after 9 h heat exposure. At baseline both IL-6LOG and CRP concentrations were higher in the older (IL-6: 2.67 (1.5) log pg/mL, CRP: 0.28 (1.5) mg/mL) relative to the young (IL-6: 1.59 log pg/mL, SD 1.2; CRP: 0.11 mg/mL, SD 1.7) group (both P ≤ 0.001). The change in IL-6 and CRP was similar between groups following 9 h heat exposure (IL-6: P = 0.053; CRP: P = 0.241). Neither sCD14LOG and TNF-αLOG were different between groups at baseline nor altered after 9 h heat exposure. Our data indicate that age may modify intestinal epithelial injury following 9 h of passive heat exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of heat waves on the productivity of the Italian food industry. Using daily weather and firm‐level data for the 2004–2019 period, we show that a heat wave causes, on average, a reduction in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of about 3.2%. Smaller firms are more severely affected, with a reduction of approximately 7%, revealing unequal impacts within the same country and sector. The reduction in TFP can be partially attributed to lower workers' productivity, with labour input increased in order to compensate for productivity loss. The estimated effect is heterogeneous across subsectors, with some well‐known Italian products (e.g., wine production) more severely affected by heat waves. These findings have significant policy implications due to the expected increase in the frequency of heat waves caused by climate change, and are particularly important in the case of the Italian food industry, which is mainly composed of small firms. The paper highlights the need to investigate further the impacts of heat stress on the entire food system, as most of the literature has predominantly focused on the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulnerability to heat waves and their negative effects on health vary not only due to individual factors but also due to situational factors, such as time and geography. Hence, we explored seasonal variations and predictors of heat wave feelings of threat across different heat wave geographical susceptibility locations in Portugal. A total of 238 Portuguese residents responded to a web‐based longitudinal survey: before the summer, during a heat wave in the summer, during the summer, and after the summer. Geographical location was used as an indicator of risk exposure, operationalized as heat wave occurrence susceptibility (low, moderate, high). Heat wave demands and resources perceptions were assessed to compute an indicator of heat wave feelings of threat. During the heat wave, feelings of threat were higher among participants in high‐susceptibility locations, with demands outweighing resources perceptions, suggesting greater distress and coping difficulty. Regression analysis suggested that older participants and female participants living in moderate–high‐susceptibility locations had greater difficulty in recovering. Heat wave risk perception and positive affect about heat were identified as the most consistent predictors of heat wave feelings of threat, with risk perception increasing and positive affect decreasing such feelings. Participants with (individual and geographical) vulnerability profiles, who had greater difficulty in coping and recovering from heat waves, could benefit from resource‐building/enhancing interventions. In a climatic crisis context, monitoring psychological responses to heat waves (e.g., threat) may enable anticipated action to build resilience before, rather than after, the effects become damaging to physical and psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Motivated by the significance and complexity of exploring spatiotemporal patterns - regions within an urban environment, particularly in the context of extreme heat events- this research analyzes meteorological time series through complex network analysis. The data collected for the examination area is focused on Athens, Greece, and covers sections of the city’s urban landscape. The data was obtained from the Copernicus observation component of the European Union. Initially, the time series are transformed into networks using correlation network methodology, followed by examination of the discriminative capability of the topological measures of networks degree and modularity as community - region detection methods. Of particular interest is that our findings suggest that the proposed complex network analysis can lead to the extraction of spatial urban regions closely linked to land use and building heights in corresponding areas. These results may help investigate the spatial variability of heat in the urban environment and inform urban planning and management strategies in policy decision-making regarding the intensity of urban heat throughout the city and the planning of climate change adaptation strategies.

The United Nations classified Iraq as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Temperatures continue to rise leading to more heat waves, droughts, sandstorms, and desertification. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of heat waves over Iraq from 1982 to 2050 using CMIP6 model at RCP4.5 scenarios. The results clearly showed that the effects of climatic changes were evident in the maximum and minimum temperatures inside Iraq. Average temperature increased of 1.9°C between 1982 and 2020. During 1999, there was a sharp increase in summer days for all stations. The annual number of summer days for the stations (Basra, Nasiriyah, Baghdad, Rutba, Sulaymaniyah, and Mosul) was (195, 193, 177, 108, 106, and 142), while in 2039 the number of summer days was found to be (212, 206, 194, 143, 144, and 149), respectively. The increase in the number of discrete heat wave events began in 2020 and will continue until 2050 for almost the entire territory of Iraq. The warmest day in Basra was in July 2016 with 53.2°C, while the projection of the warmest day was found in July 2046 with 55.7°C. The coldest daily temperature reached -5.03 °C for Baghdad in 1997 and -10.1°C for Sulaymaniyah in 1985, while the projection of the coldest day was -16.2°C over Sulaymaniyah in 2039. The trend of the number of days contributing to cold wave events was decreasing for all stations whereas the coldest year for all stations was 1992 for the entire period (1982 to 2020). Heat waves accelerated from the beginning of the study period in 1982 and continued to increase until the end of the study in 2050 in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: A better understanding of plant carbon assimilation, water status and photosystem performance responses to combined heat and drought stress would help to optimize grapevine management under such limiting conditions. Methods: Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured in potted grapevines, cv Sauvignon Blanc, before, during and after simulated six-day heat (Tmax = 40 °C) wave using heated well-watered (HW), heated drought-stressed (HD), non-heated well-watered (CW) and non-heated dry (CD) vines. Results: Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in HW vines increased during the morning and dropped in the afternoon with respect to CW vines. Daily plant transpiration in HW almost doubled that of CW vines. When grapevines were already exposed to drought, the effects of the heat wave were negligible, with HD plants showing similar leaf photosynthesis and transpiration to their CD counterparts. Heat, but not drought stress, decreased the maximum (Fv/Fm) and effective photochemical quantum yield of PSII (φPSII), and also affected the use of absorbed energy. HW plants dissipated more radiative energy as heat, a protective mechanism of the photosystem, while HD vines increased the energy dissipated by non-regulated non-photochemical pathways, which might lead to photoinhibition damages. The different behavior could be due to the enhanced transpiration rate and consequent decrease in leaf temperature in HW as compared to HD vines. After the heat wave, only HW vines recovered the afternoon values of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and φPSII to similar levels as those in CW vines. Conclusion: Drought had a more significant effect than heat stress on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration. The combined heat and drought stress, however, increased the proportion of energy lost by the leaves through harmful non-regulated dissipative pathways. With adequate soil water availability, grapevines withstood the heat wave period through an increase in leaf transpiration, which decreased leaf temperature and protected the PSII from heat damage. Highlights: Drought had a stronger impact on gas exchange parameters than elevated temperature during a simulated heatwave, while heat stress was the main driver of PSII functionality and absorbed energy partitioning. Well-watered grapevines were able to recover their physiological function after a six-day heatwave (Tmax 40 °C), while plants under heat and drought stress were unable to resume PSII performance after one day of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future projections indicate a global increase in heat waves, especially in urban areas due to climate change and the heat island effect, leading to adverse human, economic, and environmental outcomes. Cities worldwide respond by integrating climate mitigation and adaptation measures. While long-term strategies dominate research, this paper explores the increasing interest in short-term solutions, examining the Barcelona Climate Shelter Network. Investigating climate shelter initiatives, it highlights the use of public or private spaces for respite during extreme heat. This model offers insights for other European cities facing escalating heat waves, encouraging reflections on reshaping public services amidst climate crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Climate change has profound effects on species' distributions, and it is crucial to understand how well physiological limits correspond to distribution patterns to provide realistic estimations of future range shifts and/or extinctions. Seaweeds are foundation species of global coastal ecosystems, and sea surface temperature is a main predictor to explain their distributions and redistributions under global warming. We here test the hypothesis that, in contrast to other marine ectotherms, physiological knowledge of temperature niches is a weak predictor for seaweed distributions. Location: Global. Time Period: Present (1984–2019). Taxa: Seaweeds. Methods: We analysed the predictive power of physiological temperature limits to predict real‐world distributions in 126 globally distributed seaweed species with linear and generalized linear mixed models. Results: In 72% of the species, there was a difference of ≥|2|°C between the physiological and the realized thermal limits. Both, thermal underfilling (distributional thermal limits narrower than the physiological limits) and overfilling (distributional thermal limits wider than the physiological limits) were present. Thus, in only 28% of the species the physiological limits corresponded to the distributional limits. While heat‐tolerance is a significant predictor for upper distributional temperature limits, we found no relationship between cold‐tolerance and lower distributional temperature limits and the latter two seem to be independent. Main Conclusions: Physiological thermal limits have limited predictive power for seaweed distributions and deviations may be large. Especially cold‐tolerances are a weak predictor, and forecasting of migrations under changing global conditions (e.g. towards the poles) will need special attention. This indicates that responses towards climate change might be highly variable between seaweed species and difficult to predict. Further, nearly 60% of the investigated species had populations which are close to or beyond their reported upper survival limits and are thus probably under threat of eradication by elevation of sea surface temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amongst various form of urbanization induced climate change, changing thermal environment is the most widely studied and understood phenomenon. The impervious surfaces in urban areas absorb and re-emit the heat from solar radiation more than those of natural landscape which causes an elevated temperature in global cities. Due to increasing impervious surfaces and emissions from anthropogenic sources, the diurnal temperature range (DTR) is declining in cities while the frequency of extreme temperature events (TXX) is increasing. Hence, in this study, the trend of DTR and TXX has been examined in Delhi and Mumbai mega cities of India. For this study, India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided daily temperature data for 13 meteorological stations in Mumbai and 21 meteorological stations in Delhi. The DTR and TXX have been analysed using the RClimDex-Extraqc package while the trend of DTR and TXX has been analysed using the innovative trend analysis (ITA). The result showed that during 1991–2018, DTR has declined by about 1.5 °C in Delhi and about 0.2–0.4 °C in Mumbai, while TXX has increased by about 0.1–1.4 °C in Delhi and about 4 °C in Mumbai. The trend analysis of DTR and TXX using ITA showed that the DTR has a declining trend in both the cities while TXX has an increasing trend. The declining DTR and increasing TXX may increase the vulnerability to heat waves for the city dwellers and deteriorate the urban thermal comfort in both the cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies on social welfare in South Korea have examined the effects of climate change, especially heat waves on vulnerable populations. The present study aims to investigate how heat waves affect vulnerable populations. This study utilized a cross-sectional study design, using the daily heat index and heat-related mortality data for Seoul, South Korea, in summer 2018. The research used micro-raw data of deaths caused by hypertensive, ischemic heart, and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as heat index data. An effect was observed for the heat index on mortality for individuals over 65 years of age, men, people with spouses, and those ages 75–79 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To translate and validate the heat wave knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior scale (HWKAPBS) in Greek. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece with a convenience sample of 147 individuals. We assessed test-retest reliability, internal reliability, face validity and construct validity. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients, the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20, and Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Moreover, we performed confirmatory factor analysis to assess the construct validity of the HWKAPBS. RESULTS Intraclass correlation coefficients for the four constructs (knowledge, awareness, practice, behavior) ranged from 0.918 to 0.993 (p<0.001 in all cases). All model fit indices in the confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable. Thus, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure of the original version of the HWKAPBS with the four structures: knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior. Correlations between awareness, practice and behavior constructs were very high and statistically significant (p<0.001 in all cases). Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 for the knowledge construct was 0.611. Moreover, Cronbach's coefficients alpha for the awareness, practice and behavior constructs were 0.929, 0.866, and 0.766, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The HWKAPBS is a brief, reliable and valid tool to measure knowledge, attitudes and practice of the general public about heat waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent decades, the Arctic has begun facing a range of climate-related challenges, from rising temperatures to melting ice caps and permafrost thaw, with significant implications for ecosystems and human well-being. Addressing the health impacts of these issues requires a comprehensive approach, integrating scientific research, community engagement, and policy interventions. This study conducts a literature review to assess the effects of climate change on human health in northern latitudes and to compile adaptation strategies from the Arctic countries. A literature search was performed between January and April 2024 for papers published after 2000, using the electronic databases Web of Science, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and eLibrary.RU, with specific questions formulated to direct the search: (i) What are the climate changes? (ii) How does climate change affect human health? (iii) What adaptation measures and policies are required? The key phrases "climate change", "human health", "adaptation practices", and "Arctic" were employed for searching. Ultimately, 56 relevant studies were identified, reviewing health risks such as infectious diseases, mental health issues, and diseases connected with extreme weather events; wildfires and their associated pollution; permafrost degradation; pure water; and food quality. The paper also examines mitigation and adaptation strategies at all levels of governance, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and policy action to combat negative health outcomes, investments in healthcare infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and public health education. Incorporating diverse perspectives, including Indigenous knowledge, Community-Based Adaptation, EcoHealth and One Health approaches, is crucial for effectively addressing the health risks associated with climate change. In conclusion, the paper proposes adaptation strategies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change in the Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A positive relationship between protein concentration and yield has been documented in different combinations of genotype and environment, often under potential conditions. However, the ecophysiological bases underlying this positive relationship under heat stress (HS) and drought stress (DS) during seed filling are still lacking. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between seed protein content and concentration with yield in field experiments exposed to HS, DS and HS × DS interaction during the seed filling. Two field experiments were conducted and assimilates accumulation, remobilization and redistribution patterns were analysed in high and low seed protein soybean genotypes. The crop was exposed to four treatments: control (ambient temperature and soil water content near field capacity), HS (episodes above 32°C, 6 h d−1) during 15 days, DS (soil water content ≤25% of field capacity) during the whole seed filling and HS × DS. Significant and positive relationships between seed protein content and concentration with yield were observed across treatments and genotypes. Under DS and HS × DS, assimilates available during the seed filling decreased, and assimilates remobilization and partition to seeds were limited, responses significantly associated with seed protein content and concentration, and yield reductions. Furthermore, we demonstrated here that the high leaf N content at the beginning of seed filling, the short early reproductive phase duration, the high source to sink ratio and the high dry matter stem remobilization capacity, as well as the low seed number and high seed weight are intrinsic characteristics of the high protein genotype that could be associated with its high seed protein content and concentration and yield under stressful conditions. This knowledge is key to develop soybean management strategies to improve seed protein level and yield under contrasting productive scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental and behavioral disorders are an important public health problem and constitute a priority for the WHO, whose recommendations include the surveillance of their risk factors. On the other hand, drought episodes have been increasing in frequency and severity in Europe since 1980. Therefore, to review the present knowledge about the impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders, in the present climate change context, and to underline potential research gaps, could be of major interest. Thus, we performed a narrative review using online academic databases with the aim of identifying relevant literature about the impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders. To the best of our knowledge, no study in Europe quantifies the potential association between drought and mental disorders. A limited number of studies have found significant associations between droughts (with different temporal ranges) and various measures of mental health. However, according to our review, only three of them quantified the association between drought and objective mental health outcomes, such as number of emergencies due to clinically diagnosed mental disorders or suicides. Additionally, few studies used specific indices as a measure of drought; and finally, as far as authors are aware, none of them has analyzed this relationship adjusting for various other potential environmental confounders. Moreover, the eventual association could vary between different geographical areas within the same country. Therefore, national and regional studies would be especially necessary. Thus, there is a need for specific national and regional studies, in Europe and globally, that assess the impact of specific indices of drought (with different temporal ranges) on objective mental health outcomes controlling for potential environmental confounders. Moreover, the quantification of its cost would be necessary for health prioritization, evidence-based policies and strategic health planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 60% of households in Texas currently rely on electricity for space heating. As decarbonization efforts increase, non‐electrified households could adopt electric heat pumps, significantly increasing peak (highest) electricity demand in winter. Simultaneously, anthropogenic climate change is expected to increase temperatures, the potential for summer heat waves, and associated electricity demand for cooling. Uncertainty regarding the timing and magnitude of these concurrent changes raises questions about how they will jointly affect the seasonality of peak demand, firm capacity requirements, and grid reliability. This study investigates the net effects of residential space heating electrification and climate change on long‐term demand patterns and load shedding potential, using climate change projections, a predictive load model, and a direct current optimal power flow (DCOPF) model of the Texas grid. Results show that full electrification of residential space heating by replacing existing fossil fuel use with higher efficiency heat pumps could significantly improve reliability under hotter futures. Less efficient heat pumps may result in more severe winter peaking events and increased reliability risks. As heating electrification intensifies, system planners will need to balance the potential for greater resource adequacy risk caused by shifts in seasonal peaking behavior alongside the benefits (improved efficiency and reductions in emissions). Plain Language Summary: Electric heat pump adoption could help abate the impacts of climate change on overall power system reliability by reducing summer cooling demand in a warmer world because heat pumps are a more efficient alternative to standard air conditioning. It would also carry greenhouse gas emissions benefits in a decarbonized power grid. Yet widespread adoption of heat pumps (especially low‐efficiency heat pumps) could cause more extreme winter peaking events. During these extreme cold events, higher peak demand could result in an increased probability of outages. Higher efficiency heat pumps would help avoid these winter reliability impacts, but these more efficient heat pumps are also currently more expensive. From a grid planning perspective, planners need to account for a range of future peak demand dynamics across different heat pump adoption scenarios and climate futures. Key Points: Widespread electric heat pump adoption and climate change will increase uncertainty in seasonal peaking patterns and grid reliabilityFuture peaking behavior depends on the frequency and severity of extreme heat and cold events and the type of heat pumps widely adoptedShifts toward winter peaking could carry large resource adequacy risks, depending on pump efficiency and climate scenario [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Land surface processes such as the soil moisture—air temperature coupling influence compound climate anomalies like heatwaves and droughts, yet the spatial and temporal variability of the coupling strength is still understudied. We assess global land exposure to concurrent heat waves and drought since the 1980s. We found that drought significantly shapes the spatial distribution of the risk of heat waves. We show that the portion of global land experiencing drought‐conditioned heat anomalies more than tripled in less than 3 decades. However, using such traditional heat waves indicators, the level of spatial coupling between heat waves and drought seems to decline. Conversely, time‐dependent approaches accounting for the baseline climate change offer a more stable perspective. We conclude that tailoring hazard definitions to specific processes and impacts is crucial. Early warning systems can play a prominent role in mitigating the impacts of global warming to society.

This study proposes a novel approach to enhancing urban resilience and emergency management practices in the face of heatwave events, often exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Recognizing the limitations of traditional government-led responses in shelter allocation—characterized by high costs, logistical challenges, and a lack of adaptability—this paper introduces an innovative framework that integrates community-based volunteer efforts with advanced simulation and stochastic modelling techniques. The primary objective is to optimize the allocation of resources and volunteers to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of heatwave response mechanisms. Utilizing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the research identifies and enhances resource and volunteer distribution strategies, paving the way for more effective emergency services. A case study conducted in Blacktown City, Western Sydney, serves to demonstrate the practical application and implications of these strategies, underscoring the necessity for a paradigm shift towards more adaptable, volunteer-focused, and resource-efficient approaches in mitigating the impact of climate-change-induced heat waves on vulnerable urban populations. The anticipated outcomes include measurable improvements in response times, cost reductions, and enhanced volunteer mobilization efficiency.

Abstract The applicability and accuracy of high‐resolution Real‐Time Meso‐scale Analysis (RTMA) system is assessed over India for the first time. The RTMA is a high‐spatial (2.5 km) and temporal resolution analysis system for near‐surface weather conditions. It is used to simulate near‐surface air temperature over India during the Heatwave (HW) period 12th to 20th April 2023. The verification analysis of temperature using the GLDAS gridded temperature shows reasonable improvement in the analysis from RTMA by capturing regional features compared to first‐guess. The spatial and temporal verification using the IMD station observations also confirms the value addition of RTMA in capturing the locations of recorded highest Tmax and their daily variations. The location‐specific heat stress analysis of RTMA shows high skill over many locations during HW days. Heat stress regions have been accurately brought out in the RTMA. Hence, the RTMA can be used for now‐casting and severe weather monitoring.

Abstract Background In line with WHO guidelines for the implementation of public health prevention plans targeted at the impacts of high temperatures, a heat wave definition temperature (Tthreshold) was calculated for 182 so-called “isoclimatic zones” (IZ) in Spain. As the dependent variable for determining this Tthreshold, we analysed daily all-cause mortality data (ICD-10: A00-R99) for each IZ across the period 2009–2018. The independent variable used was the mean value of the maximum daily temperature of the summer months recorded at meteorological observatories in each IZ. We used Box–Jenkins models to ascertain mortality anomalies, and scatterplots to link these anomalies to the temperatures at which they occurred, thereby determining the Tthreshold for each IZ. We then calculated how many heat waves had occurred in each IZ, as well as their intensity, and analysed their time trend over this period. Results The results showed that in 52.5% of the IZ, the percentile of the maximum temperatures series of the summer months to which Tthreshold corresponded was below the 95th percentile of the meteorological heat wave definition in Spain: indeed, it only coincided in 30.7% of cases. The geographical distribution of these percentiles displayed great heterogeneity as a consequence of the local factors that influence the temperature–mortality relationship. The trend in the number of heat waves analysed indicated an overall increase in Spain at a rate of 3.9 heat waves per decade, and a similar rise in mean annual intensity of 9.5 °C/decade. These time-trend values were higher than those yielded by analysing the trend in meteorological heat waves based on the 95th percentile. Conclusions The results obtained in this study indicate the need to use a heat wave definition based on epidemiological temperature–mortality studies, rather than on values based on meteorological percentiles. This could be minimising estimated health impacts in analyses of future impacts attributable to heat.

Recently, the intensity and frequency of heat waves (HWs) have been increased worldwide. Particularly in 2022, Europe was severely affected by unprecedented HWs, which caused approximately 61,672 deaths and 11,324 deaths in Europe and Spain, respectively. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms of the HWs in southwestern Europe (SWEU) to identify the differences between typical HWs and the extreme HWs that occurred in 2022. Our results showed that the SWEU events in 2022 were strongly related to robust heat domes that developed in the lower troposphere due to high-pressure anomalies especially during two periods (9–18 June and 8–19 July). Analyses of the energy budget and thermodynamic equation revealed the processes underlying the amplification of the heat domes over SWEU during both periods. We also discovered that abnormal atmospheric blocking in the upper troposphere was closely associated with the amplification of the Gulf Stream SST, which caused an atmospheric circulation pattern favorable for the 2022 SWEU-HWs. This was further confirmed by modeling experiments. Therefore, our results emphasize that a Gulf Stream SST amplification can trigger an atmospheric circulation pattern favorable for extreme HWs in SWEU, enhancing our understanding of the mechanism behind extreme HWs. Finally, our findings will help improving the forecasting of SWEU-HWs on a sub-seasonal time scale, as well as future projections in global climate models.

As summer heat events cause a further increase of heat load in buildings, the need for indoor overheating assessment by building performance simulations (BPS) for planning is rising. Besides other boundary conditions, the selection of proper weather data is known to significantly influence the outcome of overheating evaluation. Our research pointed out that current standards do not consider weather data including regional differences, urban climate effects or future climate in a sufficient way.We suggest a new approach to create weather data sets for an average present and an average future summer based on meteorological data from weather stations. Therefore, we define characteristic summer values as indicators. In addition, urban climate is taken into account by mapping the outdoor temperature differences between urban areas and surrounding countryside using Local Climate Zones. We analyse the developed weather data sets for four regions in Germany by comparing the indoor overheating risk by BPS for an exemplary building. The results show that the overheating risk differs significantly between the regions. It is very low for the region of Hamburg, moderate for Dresden and Potsdam and highly critical for Stuttgart. The indoor heat load is at least more than doubled if the building is located in the city centre instead of its surroundings or if future climate conditions are applied. Furthermore, high night-time outdoor temperatures appear to significantly increase indoor overheating. Our approaches are first suggestions and show the relevance of regional and urban climate for indoor overheating assessment by BPS.

Background The impact of heat waves and atmospheric oxidising pollutants on residential mortality within the framework of global climate change has become increasingly important. Objective In this research, the interactive effects of heat waves and oxidising pollutants on the risk of residential mortality in Fuzhou were examined. Methods We collected environmental, meteorological, and residential mortality data in Fuzhou from 1 January 2016, to 31 December 2021. We then applied a generalised additive model, distributed lagged nonlinear model, and bivariate three-dimensional model to investigate the effects and interactions of various atmospheric oxidising pollutants and heat waves on the risk of residential mortality. Results Atmospheric oxidising pollutants increased the risk of residential mortality at lower concentrations, and O3 and Ox were positively associated with a maximum risk of 2.19% (95% CI: 0.74–3.66) and 1.29% (95% CI: 0.51–2.08). The risk of residential mortality increased with increasing temperature, with a strong and long-lasting effect and a maximum cumulative lagged effect of 1.11% (95% CI: 1.01, 1.23). Furthermore, an interaction between atmospheric oxidising pollutants and heat waves may have occurred: the larger effects in the longest cumulative lag time on residential mortality per 10 µg/m3 increase in O3, NO2 and Ox during heat waves compared to non-heat waves were [−3.81% (95% CI: −14.82, 8.63)]; [−0.45% (95% CI: −2.67, 1.81)]; [67.90% (95% CI: 11.55, 152.71)]; 16.37% (95% CI: 2.43, 32.20)]; [−3.00% (95% CI: −20.80, 18.79)]; [−0.30% (95% CI: −3.53, 3.04)]. The risk on heat wave days was significantly higher than that on non-heat wave days and higher than the separate effects of oxidising pollutants and heat waves. Conclusions Overall, we found some evidence suggesting that heat waves increase the impact of oxidising atmospheric pollutants on residential mortality to some extent.

Climate change predictions indicate that future conditions will be hotter and drier, and rainfall will be more variable. Climatic conditions can affect individual condition and shape offspring sex ratios. The implications that climate change have for mammalian sex allocation are vast but are currently poorly understood. There are several scenarios under which climate‐driven sex allocation responses might emerge. Here, I make predictions on the direction of offspring sex ratio biases under hypothetical situations of restricted resource availability and altered social/spatial structures that may result from hotter, drier conditions. I searched the literature for existing evidence of climate‐driven offspring sex ratio biases among individuals studied in wild populations. There was no strong, directional support for the production of sons or daughters under ‘good’ or ‘poor’ climatic conditions among the 30 studies had reported on climatic variables and offspring sex ratio. I also searched the literature for studies that assessed maternal condition and offspring sex ratio in natural populations (i.e. there is a link between climate, resource availability and maternal condition). Of the 27 investigations, half reported a bias in favour of sons born to mothers in ‘good’ condition (56%). I discuss how this outcome could be due to a publication bias, or that it may indicate that low resource availability has the potential to lead to mothers in poor condition and the production of fewer sons. I consider the conservation implications of climate‐driven offspring sex ratios skews being carried through to the population level. I discuss the challenge of being able to account for the multiple factors that influence offspring sex ratios in natural populations and emphasise the growing need for more research in this important area of mammalian evolutionary ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this first article is to provide a physical basis for atmospheric Rossby waves at the tropopause to clarify their properties and improve our knowledge of their role in the genesis of extreme precipitation and heat waves. By analogy with the oceanic Rossby waves, the role played by the pycnocline in ocean Rossby waves is replaced here by the interface between the polar jet and the ascending air column at the meeting of the polar and Ferrel cell circulation or between the subtropical jet and the descending air column at the meeting of the Ferrel and Hadley cell circulation. In both cases, the Rossby waves are suitable for being resonantly forced in harmonic modes by tuning their natural period to the forcing period. Here, the forcing period is one year as a result of the variation in insolation due to solar declination. A search for cause-and-effect relationships is performed from the joint representation of the amplitude and phase of (1) the velocity of the cold or warm modulated airflows at 250 mb resulting from Rossby waves, (2) the geopotential height at 500 mb, and (3) the precipitation rate or ground air temperature. This is for the dominant harmonic mode whose period can be 1/16, 1/32, or 1/64 year, which reflects the intra-seasonal variations in the rising and falling air columns at the meeting of the polar, Ferrel, and Hadley cell circulation. Harmonics determine the duration of blocking. Two case studies referring to extreme cold and heat waves are presented. Dual cyclone–anticyclone systems seem to favor extreme events. They are formed by two joint vortices of opposite signs reversing over a period, concomitantly with the involved modulated airflows at the tropopause. A second article will be oriented toward (1) the examination of different case studies in order to ascertain the common characteristics of Rossby wave patterns leading to extreme events and (2) a map of the globe revealing future trends in the occurrence of extreme events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses a regional research gap by analyzing summertime wet-bulb temperature (Tw) projections in South America (SA) and their implications for heatwaves in central-east Argentina (CEA). Tw emerges as a relevant variable to address the potential impact of humid and warm extremes under future climate conditions, while allowing comparison with more classical analyses based on dry-bulb temperature indices. The analyses presented in this work are based on outputs from Regional Climate Models provided by CORDEX (COordinated Regional climate Downscaling EXperiment) South America database. Tw increases in all SA stem from rising temperature and specific humidity at lower atmospheric layers. Projected Tw rise surpasses the expected maximum dry-bulb temperature (Tmax) increase across most of SA, exhibiting pronounced disparities in subtropical areas and intensifying further in CEA towards the century's end. Projected trends in Tw and minimum dry-bulb temperature (Tmin) show similarities across SA, except for a limited area within CEA where relatively larger Tw increases are expected. The frequency and intensity of heat extremes are also anticipated to increase in the coming years in SA. Noteworthy findings encompass projected increases in hot days, hot nights, and wet days, with the tropical region standing out for its pronounced projections. Remarkably, the number of wet days would rise significantly, followed by less prominent increases in the number of hot nights and days. Moreover, heightened persistence is expected for wet days compared to hot days and nights. A bivariate statistical analysis of heatwave projections in CEA reveals a transition towards warmer and more humid spells. This underscores the critical need to integrate air humidity conditions for accurate assessments of future health risks. Despite inherent uncertainties in climate change projections, consensus emerges on the direction of the expected changes, as well as on the urgency of limiting greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the imminent threat of humid heatwaves in CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is not just jeopardizing the health of our planet but is also increasingly affecting our immune health. There is an expanding body of evidence that climate-related exposures such as air pollution, heat, wildfires, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss significantly disrupt the functioning of the human immune system. These exposures manifest in a broad range of stimuli, including antigens, allergens, heat stress, pollutants, microbiota changes, and other toxic substances. Such exposures pose a direct and indirect threat to our body's primary line of defense, the epithelial barrier, affecting its physical integrity and functional efficacy. Furthermore, these climate-related environmental stressors can hyperstimulate the innate immune system and influence adaptive immunity—notably, in terms of developing and preserving immune tolerance. The loss or failure of immune tolerance can instigate a wide spectrum of noncommunicable diseases such as autoimmune conditions, allergy, respiratory illnesses, metabolic diseases, obesity, and others. As new evidence unfolds, there is a need for additional research in climate change and immunology that covers diverse environments in different global settings and uses modern biologic and epidemiologic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the impact of climate driven heat and water stress on aggregate crop production growth, paying particular attention to the Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) region as opposed to studies with a global or Non SSA focus. Using gridded data on temperature and precipitation, which is crop weighted and averaged to the national level, we generate measures of stressors that capture average temperature and precipitation shocks, and extreme punctuated events like dry spells and heat waves for 38 countries in Sub Saharan Africa between 1979 and 2016. We find in general that compared to estimates with a global or non SSA focus, the detrimental effect of increased annual temperature has been overstated, while the damage caused by shorter‐term extremes like dry spells and heat waves has been understated. This implies that region specific analysis is key in developing a more comprehensive understanding of climate change. Such analyses are pivotal for climate policy development allowing for more spatially efficient allocation of limited financial resources, and greater accuracy in estimating adaptation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In line with WHO guidelines for the implementation of public health prevention plans targeted at the impacts of high temperatures, a heat wave definition temperature (Tthreshold) was calculated for 182 so-called "isoclimatic zones" (IZ) in Spain. As the dependent variable for determining this Tthreshold, we analysed daily all-cause mortality data (ICD-10: A00-R99) for each IZ across the period 2009–2018. The independent variable used was the mean value of the maximum daily temperature of the summer months recorded at meteorological observatories in each IZ. We used Box–Jenkins models to ascertain mortality anomalies, and scatterplots to link these anomalies to the temperatures at which they occurred, thereby determining the Tthreshold for each IZ. We then calculated how many heat waves had occurred in each IZ, as well as their intensity, and analysed their time trend over this period. Results: The results showed that in 52.5% of the IZ, the percentile of the maximum temperatures series of the summer months to which Tthreshold corresponded was below the 95th percentile of the meteorological heat wave definition in Spain: indeed, it only coincided in 30.7% of cases. The geographical distribution of these percentiles displayed great heterogeneity as a consequence of the local factors that influence the temperature–mortality relationship. The trend in the number of heat waves analysed indicated an overall increase in Spain at a rate of 3.9 heat waves per decade, and a similar rise in mean annual intensity of 9.5 °C/decade. These time-trend values were higher than those yielded by analysing the trend in meteorological heat waves based on the 95th percentile. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study indicate the need to use a heat wave definition based on epidemiological temperature–mortality studies, rather than on values based on meteorological percentiles. This could be minimising estimated health impacts in analyses of future impacts attributable to heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India, being a tropical country, frequently experiences a natural hazard called heat waves especially during the hot summer season. During the summer months of 2022, India experienced moderate to severe heat waves spanning March to the third week of May. This adverse weather situation severely affects the northwest and the central Indian regions, causing loss of human lives, crop damage, and a scarcity of water. The present study is the first attempt to assess the meteorological situations favoring heat waves using Indian National Satellite (INSAT)-3DR sounder data. Such studies using satellite based sounder data have seldom happened. The study is conducted during March-May 2022 using the mixing ratio data derived from the INSAT-3DR sounder at 500 hPa, 620 hPa, 700 hPa, 850 hPa, and 950 hPa pressure levels of the atmosphere. From the present study, it is observed that the INSAT-3DR derived mixing ratio profile gives clear signatures of an impending heat wave condition. The weather signal can be observed as an apparent dryness representing the low mixing ratio values (<6 g/kg) percolating from upper layers (600 hPa) to lower levels (850 hPa). These percolations (seeping) happen prior to the surface layers actually show the effects of the heat wave. The study verifies the prior studies of heat wave strike over northwest frontiers of Indian land mass and its further expansion to eastern and southern regions. During strong heat wave conditions surface temperatures reaching maximum of 46 ͦ C at northwest regions, 41 ͦ C at eastern regions and 40 ͦ C at southern regions. The corresponding mixing ratio values at 950 hPa diminishes to 2–4 g/kg for northwest regions and 4–6 g/kg at eastern and southern regions. The study also gives hints to locate signals of heat waves regarding their origin, possible expanding directions, and geographical extent from the satellite-derived mixing ratio. The observations from the analysis give scope for further enhancing the study in the future to devise efficient forecasting methodologies to predict heat wave conditions using satellite derived mixing ratio profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent climatic changes, most evident in air temperature, also significantly impact sensible conditions, particularly affecting the human body during the summer season in urban areas. This study utilized hourly values of air temperature (t, °C) and relative humidity (RH, %) for 2008–2022 obtained from nine measurement points located in the city of Poznań. The measurement network was set up and supported by the Department of Meteorology and Climatology of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Based on these data, thermal conditions were characterized using the Humidex (HD), as well as "hot days" (Tmax > 30 °C) and heat waves determined based on them. The conducted research revealed variability in thermal conditions across the city. The highest average Tmax (27.4 °C) and HD values (31.3 °C), as well as the greatest average number of hot days (15 days), were recorded in the compact, dense city center. In contrast, the lowest values (respectively: 25.9 °C, 27.5 °C, 8 days) were observed in areas with a significantly greater proportion of green spaces located further from the center. Furthermore, significant trends of change were observed: an annual average Tmax increase of 1.2–1.6 °C/decade and HD values showing an increase of 1.5–3.0 °C/decade. This study also highlighted the noteworthy impact of urbanization and the presence of urban greenery on the frequency and total duration of heat waves. Between 2008 and 2022, the area of compact development experienced 26 heat waves lasting a total of 115 days, whereas the area with a high proportion of greenery recorded 14 cases and 55 days, respectively. The longest recorded heat wave, spanning 9 days, occurred in July 2010. Individual heat waves identified based on Tmax (>30 °C) may exhibit significant variations in terms of perceived conditions, as indicated by HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat waves at the regional level could be devastating if they coincide with the sensitive growth stage of the crop. The sensitivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to heat stress is a major constraint limiting wheat production. Nevertheless, there are limited field studies where the impact of heat waves has been systematically studied and quantified. We phenotyped a mini panel of thirty diverse wheat genotypes under optimum and low planting densities. Staggered sowing was done to expose the late-sown genotypes to a higher temperature at the terminal growth stage. Heat wave occurred during March–April, 2022, resulting in late sown genotypes being exposed to a staggering 6.6 °C/4 °C higher day/night temperature during flowering and early grain filling stage, as compared to normal sown genotypes. Heat stress caused significant loss in biomass (34.46%), grains spike−1 (22.34%), test weight (15.52%), and grain yield (28.67%) in late-sown genotypes as compared to normal-sown genotypes. Conversely, genotypes grown under low planting density showed substantial variations in growth parameters including plant height, tillering, thicker leaves, and canopy cover. Interestingly, genotypes with denser canopy and thicker leaves could avoid high day temperature-induced losses by maintaining lower canopy and spike temperatures, which eventually resulted in higher grains spike−1. However, the impact of higher night temperature on biomass and seed weight was not affected by denser canopy and lower spike temperature. Hence, yield loss was majorly confined to high night temperature. The study suggests that higher night temperature could be a major determinant of yield under naturally occurring heat waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodological approaches to assessing possible damage to public health from climate change and its impact, primarily that of temperature extremes, including heat waves, are contemplated. The limitations of these approaches and the algorithm for calculating economic damage from excess morbidity and premature mortality caused by the above mentioned climatic factors are substantiated. Improvements of the operational Methodological Recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor of 2011, including calculation methods are introduced. Examples of assessments of the damage to human health in terms of excess morbidity and premature mortality from heat waves are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct a contingent valuation survey in Spain and the UK to elicit information about the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for heat wave watch and response programs. We find that people are willing to pay for such programs, and that the WTP (€ 50 for each of 10 years; 2019 PPP euro) is virtually the same across the two countries and across respondents that received two alternate presentations of the mortality risks with and without the programs. The responses to the WTP questions are internally consistent. Persons who re-assessed their own risks as “very high” after reading the questionnaire’s information about the health effects of excessive heat are prepared to pay more for these programs. These persons are in poor health and less highly educated, and thus an important priority for outreach and education efforts by heat wave watch and response programs. That people value saving lives during heat waves as important is confirmed by the results of person tradeoffs, which show that avoiding a fatality during heat waves is comparable to avoiding a cancer fatality, is slightly more valuable than an avoiding a cardiovascular fatality, and definitely more valuable than an avoided road traffic fatality. The Value per Statistical Life implied by the WTP for the programs is € 1.1 million to € 4.7 million (2019 PPP euro), depending on the size of the mortality risk reduction valued by the respondent, for an average of € 1.6 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat waves, such as the one that struck European Russia in 2010, are among the major dangers of climate change. The population shift to large cities and southern regions observed in Russia, together with warming, increases the risks from heat waves. In this paper, we provide estimates of current and future population exposure to heat waves in Russian regions under the projection scenarios introduced by IPCC for the mid-21 century. We aim at identifying regions most at risk and in need of adaptation strategies and at assessing the contribution of climate change and population dynamics to future changes in population exposure. We use both absolute and relative measures to detect extreme summer daily temperatures and the high-resolution population data for the current period and 2050. Our results show an increase in the aggregate exposure from 4.76 billion person-days in the current period to 5.86 and 7.52 billion person-days under the soft and hard scenarios, respectively, notably in the areas where absolute maximum summer temperatures exceed 30 °C and 35 °C. Against the overall population decline, the increase in exposure is mainly driven by the climatic factor: by the widespread increase in the number of relatively very warm days, up to most of the season in the coastal areas of the Black and Caspian Seas and in the Caucuses, and by the geographical expansion of the zone of absolute high temperatures above 30 °C into the densely populated regions of Russia’s Main Settlement Belt in Middle Russia, the southern Urals and Siberia. The projected more extreme climate put at risk the regions with large urban agglomerations and a relatively high population density making heat waves to increasingly become a metropolis-related risk, and the few regions that are projected to grow in population size, both through migration inflows, such as Krasnodar Krai, Moscow region, and Tyumen region, and through natural increase, such as the republics of the Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extreme summer heat events in which temperatures exceed 40 °C are expected to increase in duration and intensity worldwide. Consequently, selecting heat-tolerant trees for future predicted climatic conditions will be one of the significant challenges for urban landscape managers. Method: The effect of heat stress (44 °C for 4 hours) on chlorophyll variable: maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) ratios and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values as measures of damage to the leaf photosynthetic system and leaf chlorophyll content was quantified in 8 Acer genotypes (Acer pseudoplatanus 'Negenia', A. pseudoplatanus 'Spaethii', A. platanoides 'Royal Red', A. platanoides 'Princeton Gold', A. platanoides 'Emerald Queen', A. platanoides 'Drummondii', A. campestre, A. campestre 'Louisa Red Shine'). Results: Fv/Fm ratios proved to be a sensitive indicator of heat damage and positively identified marked differences in tolerance to and recovery from heat damage between the 8 Acer genotypes. Estimated leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) was not sufficiently sensitive to distinguish differences in tolerance and recovery between genotypes. Conclusions: Chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/Fm ratios, but not estimated leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), offers a rapid screening technique for assessing the tolerance to and recovery from heat stress in leaf tissue of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]