scholarly journals Key Performance Indicators for the Upgrade of Existing Coastal Defense Structures

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 994
Author(s):  
Sara Mizar Formentin
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Wave Forces ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Design Alternatives ◽  
Coastal Defense ◽  
Definition Of

Due to the effects of climate change on the sea levels and on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, many coastal defense structures are expected to be exposed to increased loads with respect to their design conditions in the near future and need to be upgraded. Often, several design alternatives are available, and the identification of the ideal solution is not straightforward. Solutions that are effective in reducing overtopping and ensuring hydraulic safety may reduce or compromise the structural performance. Solutions that are both hydraulically and structurally effective may be extremely expensive and/or environmentally harmful. Using consolidated techniques of Multi-criteria analysis, this contribution proposes a simple methodology to consistently compare and rank the performance of several alternative approaches to upgrade existing structures, and to individuate the best solution. The proposed methodology consists of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of alternative solutions of upgrades, considering the reduction in the wave overtopping discharge (q) and the wave forces (F) by limiting costs and environmental impact. The definition of the KPIs was developed on the basis of new experimental data of q and F at dikes with crown walls and parapets, but it can be applied to various structure types, sea levels, and wave conditions. The application of the KPIs to the new experiments prompts a few conclusions of practical utility concerning the effectiveness of berms, crown walls, and parapets as elements to upgrade existing dikes.

The influence of climate change on waterborne disease and Legionella: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 138 (5) ◽  
pp. 282-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
JT Walker
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Waterborne Diseases ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Rising Sea Levels

Climate change is predicted to have a major impact on people’s lives with the recent extreme weather events and varying abnormal temperature profiles across the world raising concerns. The impacts of global warming are already being observed, from rising sea levels and melting snow and ice to changing weather patterns. Scientists state unequivocally that these trends cannot be explained by natural variability in climate alone. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have warmed the earth by dramatically increasing concentrations of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere; as these concentrations increase, the more the earth will warm. Climate change and related extreme weather events are being exacerbated sooner than has previously been considered and are already adversely affecting ecosystems and human health by increasing the burden and type of disease at a local level. Changes to the marine environment and freshwater supplies already affect significant parts of the world’s population and warmer temperatures, especially in more temperate regions, may see an increased spread and transmission of diseases usually associated with warmer climes including, for example, cholera and malaria; these impacts are likely to become more severe in a greater number of countries. This review discusses the impacts of climate change including changes in infectious disease transmission, patterns of waterborne diseases and the likely consequences of climate change due to warmer water, drought, higher rainfall, rising sea levels and flooding.

scholarly journals Bamboo Fale: Climate of Change

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Emily Cayford
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Storm Surges ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Climate Resilience ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The World

<p>The world is currently sitting on the brink of a massive upheaval as Climate Change continues to intensify. At this stage, there is no apparent turning back: the only remaining option is to adapt. While many countries are already feeling the effects, the most vulnerable lie within the Pacific Islands.  With 70% of the Samoan population living along their coastline (The World Bank, 2016), the country is identified as one of the most vulnerable Pacific Islands. It is prone to high waves and storm surges, along with tropical cyclones, which destroy livelihoods and housing, as well as claiming lives.  The traditional architecture of Samoa was originally built to withstand such weather events, but has not been adapting to resist the increased cyclone intensity and rising sea levels. The materials and building practices currently used within Samoa do not have the properties to resist these extreme weather events.  Western building practises have been introduced and into the Samoan construction industry, but has not yet successfully been integrated. Combinations of traditional and Western building practises are, instead, resulting in buildings more vulnerable than ever. This issue remains unresolved, with unsuitable housing remaining one of the largest dilemmas currently faced by Samoa’s inhabitants.  Samoa recently graduated from the classification: Least Developed Country, to be classified as a Developing Country (Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience). This places Samoa as one of the more developed nations of the Pacific, therefore encouraging Samoa to take the lead in resilience to the ever imposing effects of Climate Change. Samoa has a close relationship with both New Zealand and Australia and therefore has access to building expertise, education and materials. Why, then, is Samoa so lacking in architectural resilience to the effects of Climate Change?  This paper endeavours to investigate this gap and, in turn provide a potential resolution. These solutions could aid other Pacific countries as well as encouraging further architectural resilience that can then be mirrored by the remaining, vulnerable countries of the Pacific.  This thesis first investigates the question:  “Why has Samoan culture not developed stronger architectural resilience against Climate Change?”  This thesis then evolves to question:  “How can Samoan architecture be hybridised to influence increased architectural resilience against Climate Change?”</p>

scholarly journals Climate Change and Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

EDIS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (5) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Joshua Papacek ◽  
Ashley Smyth ◽  
Holly Abeels ◽  
Alicia Betancourt
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ice Sheets ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Carbon Footprints ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
The People ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Municipal Workers ◽  
Rising Sea Levels

Climate change is considered one of the biggest challenges facing society. As global temperatures continue to rise, we are threatened by melting ice sheets, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. Climate change is also something that the people in south Florida live with daily. Still, the science of climate change is complicated, leaving many in the region looking for trusted information about why climate should matter to them. The purpose of this new 8-page FAQ document is to provide answers to commonly asked questions regarding climate change. The questions come from south Florida residents and municipal workers concerned with the climate outcomes to their region. The FAQ address several areas of concerns, including the basic science behind climate change, the projected impacts to residents of south Florida, and actions that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprints. Written by Joshua Papacek, Ashley Smyth, Holly Abeels, and Alicia Betancourt, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss682

scholarly journals Relocating Tokelau: Recreating Island Villages in the Urban/Suburban Settings of New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Henry Huang
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Island Communities ◽  
Rising Sea Levels ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Groups

<p>Many Pacific Island communities face having to leave their homeland to other countries due to effects of climate change, extreme weather events, rising sea levels and the subsequent economic impacts. Tokelau, a country comprised of three small atolls in the South Pacific represents one of these effected communities. The extreme cultural shift from an incredibly isolated and densely populated environment where collective culture, elder governance and multigenerational living thrive, to New Zealand’s capitalist economy and individualistic family living has considerably challenged the traditional Tokelau way of living. The aim of the thesis is to develop a greater understanding of the role that architecture can play in facilitating; successful cultural relocation and preservation, and the strengthening of migrated community groups in foreign contexts. The thesis argues that the essence of a Tokelau village can be captured in the design of a Tokelau community centre in the suburban setting of New Zealand through; understanding and interpreting the culture and lifestyle of the Tokelau community in New Zealand through participatory design; designing hybrid Tokelau architecture which draws from traditional Tokelau construction, contemporary design and the built environment of New Zealand; embodying sociocultural Tokelau principles in design; and lastly, designing resilient community facilities for collective use that accommodate the cultural practices of the Tokelau community and the desires of all age and gender groups.</p>

scholarly journals Relocating Tokelau: Recreating Island Villages in the Urban/Suburban Settings of New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Henry Huang
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Island Communities ◽  
Rising Sea Levels ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Groups

<p>Many Pacific Island communities face having to leave their homeland to other countries due to effects of climate change, extreme weather events, rising sea levels and the subsequent economic impacts. Tokelau, a country comprised of three small atolls in the South Pacific represents one of these effected communities. The extreme cultural shift from an incredibly isolated and densely populated environment where collective culture, elder governance and multigenerational living thrive, to New Zealand’s capitalist economy and individualistic family living has considerably challenged the traditional Tokelau way of living. The aim of the thesis is to develop a greater understanding of the role that architecture can play in facilitating; successful cultural relocation and preservation, and the strengthening of migrated community groups in foreign contexts. The thesis argues that the essence of a Tokelau village can be captured in the design of a Tokelau community centre in the suburban setting of New Zealand through; understanding and interpreting the culture and lifestyle of the Tokelau community in New Zealand through participatory design; designing hybrid Tokelau architecture which draws from traditional Tokelau construction, contemporary design and the built environment of New Zealand; embodying sociocultural Tokelau principles in design; and lastly, designing resilient community facilities for collective use that accommodate the cultural practices of the Tokelau community and the desires of all age and gender groups.</p>

scholarly journals Where the wild things were: intrinsic and extrinsic extinction predictors in the world's most depleted mammal fauna

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1946) ◽  
pp. 20202905
Author(s):  
Samuel T. Turvey ◽  
Clare Duncan ◽  
Nathan S. Upham ◽  
Xavier Harrison ◽  
Liliana M. Dávalos
Keyword(s):  
Survival Probability ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Extinction Selectivity ◽  
Rising Sea Levels

Preventing extinctions requires understanding macroecological patterns of vulnerability or persistence. However, correlates of risk can be nonlinear, within-species risk varies geographically, and current-day threats cannot reveal drivers of past losses. We investigated factors that regulated survival or extinction in Caribbean mammals, which have experienced the globally highest level of human-caused postglacial mammalian extinctions, and included all extinct and extant Holocene island populations of non-volant species (219 survivals or extinctions across 118 islands). Extinction selectivity shows a statistically detectable and complex body mass effect, with survival probability decreasing for both mass extremes, indicating that intermediate-sized species have been more resilient. A strong interaction between mass and age of first human arrival provides quantitative evidence of larger mammals going extinct on the earliest islands colonized, revealing an extinction filter caused by past human activities. Survival probability increases on islands with lower mean elevation (mostly small cays acting as offshore refugia) and decreases with more frequent hurricanes, highlighting the risk of extreme weather events and rising sea levels to surviving species on low-lying cays. These findings demonstrate the interplay between intrinsic biology, regional ecology and specific local threats, providing insights for understanding drivers of biodiversity loss across island systems and fragmented habitats worldwide.

The Criminal Dimension of Climate Change

2019 ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Andrew Glikson
Keyword(s):  
Ice Sheets ◽  
Climate Science ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Climate Scientist ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
The World ◽  
Full Knowledge ◽  
Rising Sea Levels ◽  
Carbon Gases

Peter D. Carter and Elizabeth Woodworth, Unprecedented Crime: Climate Science Denial and Game Changers for Survival (Atlanta: Clarity Press, 2017), 270 pages, $27.95, paperback. Unprecedented Crime, a book by Peter Carter and Elizabeth Woodworth, with a foreword by leading climate scientist James Hansen, outlines the criminality of those who actively promote the continuing emission of carbon gases into the atmosphere despite having full knowledge of the consequences. These consequences include the breakdown of large ice sheets, rising sea levels, and the intensification of extreme weather events around the world, such as hurricanes, floods, and fires.

Introductory Remarks by Judith Levine

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 ◽  
pp. 193-194
Author(s):  
Judith Levine
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Secretary General ◽  
World Meteorological Organization ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
The World ◽  
Climate Action

Less than twenty-four hours ago, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its “State of the Climate Report,” which the UN secretary-general described as “yet another wake-up call for ambitious and urgent climate action.” The report shows climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe and it sets out record highs in global temperatures, sea levels, and greenhouse gas concentrations. Secretary-General Guterres noted the report proves that climate change is moving faster than our efforts to address it, and called for a Climate Action summit in September, instructing leaders: “Don't come with a speech, come with a plan.”

scholarly journals Evaluation of production effectiveness in garment companies through key performance indicators

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Spahija ◽  
E. Shehi ◽  
G. Guxho
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Production Effectiveness ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
A Company ◽  
The Way

Abstract Key Performance Indicators help an organisation to improve productivity and to evaluate its success. Improved productivity is an essential part of increasing the value-added services that companies can offer to clients and hence their competitiveness. By using Key Performance Indicators, a company can establish baseline figures against a number of important areas. They can be considered like a health check on a company or a diagnosis of where a company can improve its performance. The definition of what they are and how they are measured does not change often, but Key Performance Indicators may change as the organisation's goals change. In this paper we present and discuss the way to establish Key Performance Indicators to evaluate the production effectiveness of garment companies. The KPIs are being tested in several garment companies in Albania and actually implemented in 25 companies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document