scholarly journals Water shortages and extreme events: a call for research

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catriona Carmichael ◽  
Sue Odams ◽  
Virginia Murray ◽  
Matthew Sellick ◽  
Jeni Colbourne
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Weather Events

Water shortages as a result of extreme weather events, such as flooding and severe cold, have the potential to affect significant numbers of people. Therefore, the need to build robust, coordinated plans based on scientific evidence is crucial. The literature review outlined in this short communication was conducted as part of a joint Drinking Water Inspectorate and Health Protection Agency (now Public Health England) report which aimed to review the scientific evidence base on extreme events, water shortages and the resulting health impacts. A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify published literature from both peer-reviewed and grey literature sources. The retrieved literature was then assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality assessment. The authors found very few scientific studies. However, a great deal of valuable grey literature was retrieved and used by the research team. In total, six main themes of importance that were identified by the review and discussed included health impacts, water quantity and quality, alternative supplies, vulnerable groups, communication with those affected and the emergency response. The authors conclude that more research needs to be conducted on health impacts and extreme events water shortages in order to build the future knowledge base and development of resilience.

scholarly journals Getting It Straight: Accommodating Rectilinear Behavior in Captive Snakes—A Review of Recommendations and Their Evidence Base

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1459
Author(s):  
Clifford Warwick ◽  
Rachel Grant ◽  
Catrina Steedman ◽  
Tiffani J. Howell ◽  
Phillip C. Arena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Absolute Minimum ◽  
Scientific Letter ◽  
General Welfare ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Enclosure Size ◽  
Current Guidance

Snakes are sentient animals and should be subject to the accepted general welfare principles of other species. However, they are also the only vertebrates commonly housed in conditions that prevent them from adopting rectilinear behavior (ability to fully stretch out). To assess the evidence bases for historical and current guidance on snake spatial considerations, we conducted a literature search and review regarding recommendations consistent with or specifying ≥1 × and <1 × snake length enclosure size. We identified 65 publications referring to snake enclosure sizes, which were separated into three categories: peer-reviewed literature (article or chapter appearing in a peer-reviewed journal or book, n = 31), grey literature (government or other report or scientific letter, n = 18), and opaque literature (non-scientifically indexed reports, care sheets, articles, husbandry books, website or other information for which originating source is not based on scientific evidence or where scientific evidence was not provided, n = 16). We found that recommendations suggesting enclosure sizes shorter than the snakes were based entirely on decades-old ‘rule of thumb’ practices that were unsupported by scientific evidence. In contrast, recommendations suggesting enclosure sizes that allowed snakes to fully stretch utilized scientific evidence and considerations of animal welfare. Providing snakes with enclosures that enable them to fully stretch does not suggest that so doing allows adequate space for all necessary normal and important considerations. However, such enclosures are vital to allow for a limited number of essential welfare-associated behaviors, of which rectilinear posturing is one, making them absolute minimum facilities even for short-term housing.

Major weather-related risks to crop performance along the Australian wheat belt for recent past and longer-term historical weather records

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gennady Bracho Mujica ◽  
Peter Hayman ◽  
Victor Sadras ◽  
Bertram Ostendorf ◽  
Nicole Ferreira C. R. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
Weather Extremes ◽  
Crop Failure ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Australian Wheat ◽  
Historical Past

&lt;p&gt;Extreme events, such as drought, heat and/or frost are among the major weather-related causes of yield reduction and crop failure worldwide. Changes in the frequency and intensity of such weather extremes affect the shape and scale of yield distributions. Wheat growers, in Australia, are particularly vulnerable to climate due to its high variability. Risks of both, extremely high or low temperatures and water stress occurring simultaneously or at different crop stages within the growing season (May-October, e.g. frost mid-season, drought during the season and heat towards the end) often lead to yield reductions, or sometimes even to crop failure. In this study, we focused on assessing the frequency and impact of these relevant extreme weather events (i.e. drought, heat and frost) affecting wheat production in Australia. Specifically, we used a widely used and calibrated crop model (APSIM) to simulate wheat grain yield, and determine probability density functions (PDFs) of grain yield and crop failure. Chances of crop failure due to these extreme events are explored for the recent past (1991-2020) and the longer-term historical past (1901-1990). Key adaption strategies to minimise the impacts of these extreme events, and reduce crop failure risk are assessed in this study, including early sowing and cultivar choice. Our findings are in line with recent studies, indicating that drought and heat are major risk factors contributing to reduced yields or crop failure. However, due to the timing, frequency and impacts of frost events on wheat productivity, frost also remains a relevant risk for the wheat industry in Australia.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Impacts of compound extreme weather events on ozone in the present and future

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junxi Zhang ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
Kun Luo ◽  
L. Ruby Leung ◽  
Yang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Events ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Low Wind Speed ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Future ◽  
Compound Events ◽  
Ozone Episodes

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) was used to study the effect of extreme weather events on ozone in US for historical (2001–2010) and future (2046–2055) periods under RCP8.5 scenario. During extreme weather events, including heat waves, atmospheric stagnation, and their compound events, ozone concentration is much higher compared to non-extreme events period. A striking enhancement of effect during compound events is revealed when heat wave and stagnation occur simultaneously and both high temperature and low wind speed promote the production of high ozone concentrations. In regions with high emissions, compound extreme events can shift the high-end tails of the probability density functions (PDFs) of ozone to even higher values to generate extreme ozone episodes. In regions with low emissions, extreme events can still increase high ozone frequency but the high-end tails of the PDFs are constrained by the low emissions. Despite large anthropogenic emission reduction projected for the future, compound events increase ozone more than the single events by 10 % to 13 %, comparable to the present, and high ozone episodes are not eliminated. Using the CMIP5 multi-model ensemble, the frequency of compound events is found to increase more dominantly compared to the increased frequency of single events in the future over the US, Europe, and China. High ozone episodes will likely continue in the future due to increases in both frequency and intensity of extreme events, despite reductions in anthropogenic emissions of its precursors. However, the latter could reduce or eliminate extreme ozone episodes, so improving projections of compound events and their impacts on extreme ozone may better constrain future projections of extreme ozone episodes that have detrimental effects on human health.

scholarly journals Anti-Human Trafficking Campaigns

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Szablewska ◽  
Krzysztof Kubacki
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
The Future

This study aims to systematically identify and review studies on anti-human trafficking campaigns published in peer-reviewed journals to determine the extent to which such campaigns have been critically and rigorously evaluated so as to guide future policies and practice in this area and to identify the main characteristics, problems, and challenges associated with the campaigns in the identified studies. This systematic literature review identified 16 studies that have assessed anti-human trafficking campaigns but found that none of these included outcome, process, or impact evaluations. As identified in our study, anti-human trafficking campaigns tend to rely on advertising techniques to target vulnerable groups and the wider public, with the primary aim of informing and educating. Further, a thematic analysis of the studies identified problems in eight areas that require attention in the future development of anti-human trafficking campaigns: stereotyping, compounding human trafficking with migration, conflating prostitution with human trafficking, sexualization/erotization of women, victimization, role of anti-human trafficking organizations, data shortcomings, and oversimplification of human trafficking. Studies presenting the results of evaluations of social marketing anti-human trafficking campaigns are urgently needed to show which social marketing tools work and to provide an evidence base for future campaigns.

scholarly journals Assessing the impacts of extreme weather events on potable water quality: the value to managers of a highly participatory, integrated modelling approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-24
Author(s):  
Edoardo Bertone ◽  
Oz Sahin ◽  
Russell Richards ◽  
Anne Roiko
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Integrated Modelling ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Sd Model

Abstract A decision support tool was created to estimate the treatment efficiency of an Australian drinking water treatment system based on different combinations of extreme weather events and long-term changes. To deal with uncertainties, missing data, and nonlinear behaviours, a Bayesian network (BN) was coupled with a system dynamics (SD) model. The preliminary conceptual structures of these models were developed through stakeholders' consultation. The BN model could rank extreme events, and combinations of them, based on the severity of their impact on health-related water quality. The SD model, in turn, was used to run a long-term estimation of extreme events' impacts by including temporal factors such as increased water demand and customer feedback. The integration of the two models was performed through a combined Monte Carlo–fuzzy logic approach which allowed to take the BN's outputs as inputs for the SD model. The final product is a participatory, multidisciplinary decision support system allowing for robust, sustainable long-term water resources management under uncertain conditions for a specific location.

The Eight Ujarait (Rocks) Model: Supporting Inuit Adolescent Mental Health With an Intervention Model Based on Inuit Ways of Knowing

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen Katheryn Healey ◽  
Jennifer Noah ◽  
Ceporah Mearns
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

<p><strong><em>Objective:</em> </strong>This study responded to a community-identified need to form an evidence base for interventions to promote mental health and wellness among youth in Nunavut. <strong><em>Methods: </em></strong>A literature review was conducted using the terms <em>adolescence </em>and <em>Inuit</em> and <em>intervention </em>or <em>program </em>or <em>camp </em>or <em>land-based</em>. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to find peer-reviewed and grey literature on community-based youth programs. The literature review was presented to parents, elders, and youth for discussion over several months in 2009-2010. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Key themes included: self-esteem, physical activity, stress and coping, positive peer relationships, Inuit identity, mental health and well-being, and the effects of intergenerational trauma on youth in Nunavut. Themes were incorporated into a model for youth mental health interventions based on Inuit terminology, philosophy, and societal values—the Eight <em>Ujarait</em>/Rocks Model. The model was implemented as a camp program in 6 pilots in 5 communities from 2011 to 2013. Data were collected before and after the camp. Results indicated that the program fostered physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness among youth. Parent observations of participants included an improvement in behaviour and attitude, strong cultural pride, greater confidence in identity, and improved family and community relationships. <strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong>Evidence-based, community-driven models for youth mental health interventions in the North hold promise. The application of one such model through a camp program had a lasting impact on the individuals involved, beyond their immediate participation. Long-term monitoring of the participants, and ongoing evaluations of camps as they continue to unfold across Nunavut, are needed to contribute to the robust evidence base for this program over time.</p>

scholarly journals Real time implementation of agricultural contingency plans to cope with weather aberrations in Indian agriculture

MAUSAM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-194
Author(s):  
CH. SRINIVASA RAO RAO ◽  
G. RAVINDRA CHARY ◽  
N. RANI ◽  
V. S. BAVISKAR
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Indian Agriculture ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Overall Stability ◽  
Droughts And Floods ◽  
Seasonal Droughts

Weather aberrations impact agriculture and allied sectors in one or other parts of the India round the year. Seasonal droughts and extreme weather events in 21st century have caused alarming losses not only in agricultural production but also horticulture, livestock, poultry and fisheries. ICAR-CRIDA, SAUs and DAC, MoA, GoI, prepared more than 580 district level agriculture plans within formation on contingency measures for sustaining higher agriculture production and to cope with extreme events. Real-time contingency planning (RTCP) is being conceptualized and implemented at micro level in farmers’ fields in this country. RTCP implementation during delayed onset of monsoon, seasonal droughts and floods resulted in better crop performance, higher agricultural production, better incomes and overall stability in house-hold livelihoods. In this paper, the real-contingency measures to cope with extreme events for management of horticultural crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries are proposed. Further, the preparedness for RTCP implementation with policy initiatives is also suggested.

scholarly journals Extreme Weather Events and Its Impacts on Rice Production in Coastal Odisha Region of India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Vijayakumar ◽  
A.K. Nayak ◽  
N. Manikandan ◽  
Suchismita Pattanaik ◽  
Rahul Tripathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Heavy Precipitation ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Significant Trend ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Rice Grain ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Precipitation And Temperature

Abstract The study investigates trend in extreme daily precipitation and temperature over coastal Odisha, India. 18 weather indices (8 related to temperature and 10 related to rainfall) were calculated using RClimDex software package for the period 1980–2010 . Trend analysis was carried out using linear regression and non-parametric Mann-Kendall test to find out the statistical significance of various indices. Results indicated, a strong and significant trend in temperature indices while the weak and non-significant trend in precipitation indices. The positive trend in Tmax mean, Tmin mean, TN90p (warm nights), TX90p (warm days), diurnal temperature range (DTR), warm spell duration indicator (WSDI), consecutive dry days (CDD) indicates increasing the frequency of warming events in coastal Odisha. Similarly, positive trend in highest maximum 1-day precipitation (RX1), highest maximum 2 consecutive day precipitation (RX2), highest maximum 3 consecutive day precipitation (RX3), highest maximum 5 consecutive day precipitation (RX5), number of heavy precipitation days (≥64.5mm), number of very heavy precipitation days (≥124.5mm) and negative trend in the number of rainy days (R2.5mm), consecutive wet days (CWD) indicate changes toward the more intense and poor distribution of precipitation in coastal Odisha. The combined effect of precipitation and temperature extreme events showed negative effects on rice grain yield. With the increasing number of extreme events there was sharp decline in rice grain yield was observed in the same year in all the coastal districts. This study emphasizes the need for new technology/management practice to minimize the impacts of extreme weather events on rice yield.

scholarly journals Awareness of climate change's impacts and motivation to adapt are not enough to drive action: A look of Puerto Rican farmers after Hurricane Maria

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0244512
Author(s):  
Luis Alexis Rodríguez-Cruz ◽  
Meredith T. Niles
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Psychological Distance ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Weather Events

Understanding how perceptions around motivation, capacity, and climate change’s impacts relate to the adoption of adaptation practices in light of experiences with extreme weather events is important in assessing farmers’ adaptive capacity. However, very little of this work has occurred in islands, which may have different vulnerabilities and capacities for adaptation. Data of surveyed farmers throughout Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria (n = 405, 87% response rate) were used in a structural equation model to explore the extent to which their adoption of agricultural practices and management strategies was driven by perceptions of motivation, vulnerability, and capacity as a function of their psychological distance of climate change. Our results show that half of farmers did not adopt any practice or strategy, even though the majority perceived themselves capable and motivated to adapt to climate change, and understood their farms to be vulnerable to future extreme events. Furthermore, adoption was neither linked to these adaptation perceptions, nor to their psychological distance of climate change, which we found to be both near and far. Puerto Rican farmers’ showed a broad awareness of climate change’s impacts both locally and globally in different dimensions (temporal, spatial, and social), and climate distance was not linked to reported damages from Hurricane Maria or to previous extreme weather events. These results suggest that we may be reaching a tipping point for extreme events as a driver for climate belief and action, especially in places where there is a high level of climate change awareness and continued experience of compounded impacts. Further, high perceived capacity and motivation are not linked to actual adaptation behaviors, suggesting that broadening adaptation analyses beyond individual perceptions and capacities as drivers of climate adaptation may give us a better understanding of the determinants to strengthen farmers’ adaptive capacity.

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