Overlapping Climate Clubs: Self-Enforcing R&D Networks to Mitigate Global Warming

Free riding incentives make it difficult to control climate change. To improve the chances of the Paris Agreement’s ambitious goal, many nations are forming scientific networks in carbon capture and storage (CCS). These networks take many forms (bilateral, hub-and-spoke, and multilateral). Studies of social interactions among scientists demonstrate that research networks are limited because of relational issues, such as lack of trust. This paper provides a rationale for the formation of various types of international CCS networks and examines their impacts on climate change. Our concept of stability focuses on Nash equilibria that are immune to coalitional deviations in overlapping networks. Players may belong to various research networks. A particular research network is a climate club. We show that in the absence of top-down coordination in clubs, the type of global network that forms depends on relational attrition. The complex task is to mitigate free riding while enhancing trust.

Projected Future Changes in The Equatorial Wave Spectrum in CMIP6

The simulation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) is considered in 13 state-of-the-art models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). We use frequency-wavenumber power spectra of the models and observations for Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) and zonal velocity at 250 hPa (U250), and consider the historical and end-of-century projections for the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. The models simulate a spectrum quantitatively resembling that observed, though systematic biases exist. MJO and Kelvin waves (KW) are mostly underestimated, while equatorial Rossby waves (ER) are overestimated. The models project a moderate future increase in power for the MJO, a robust increase for Kelvin waves (KW) and weaker power values for most other wavenumber-frequency combinations, including higher wavenumber ER. In addition to strengthening, KW also shift toward higher phase speeds (or equivalent depths). Models with a more realistic MJO in their control climate tend to simulate a stronger intensification, and models with a more realistic KW in their control climate tend to simulate a weaker intensification.

Proof of Renewable (PoR) the ROBe2 Protocol

We are at a serious crossroads as it relates to carbon emissions and the condition of our planet. Global conditions are spiraling out of control. Climate change is widespread, occurring extremely fast, and intensifying. The consumption of nonrenewable energy sources is impacting both the environment and the economy in equal proportions. Up to this point society has tried to solve these problems with local solutions but we have fallen short. The missing component to solve the global problem is an alignment of individuals and organizations coming together, taking responsibility, and creating global solutions to meet the goal of being carbon negative by 2050. In this paper, we propose the ROBe2 protocol as the global solution that brings everyone together to solve these very important issues. Renewable Obligation Base energy economy (ROBe2 ) is a protocol attempting to aggregate local renewable energy solutions into a global impact while providing an economically sound framework and allowing the creation of an economic incentive for using renewable energy in place of a fossil one [1].

The Covid-19 Pandemic and Climate Change: Some Lessons Learned on Individual Ethics and Social Justice

The Covid-19 pandemic has confronted humanity with a complex and unexpected challenge. One part of this challenge concerned individual ethics, i.e., the behaviour of individuals with respect to the rules and restrictions that have been imposed by health authorities in the collective interest. Another part concerned, instead, the social organisation of immunisation campaigns. In this article I wonder whether the lessons we have learned in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic can be applied to climate change mitigation. My first argument is that at least some of the ethical successes obtained at the individual level can be repeated with respect to climate change, but only if we stop focusing solely on the risks of climate change and offer a convincing picture of the benefits and opportunities of a more sustainable world. The second argument is that the Covid-19 pandemic offered us a new perspective on the relationship between global systemic threats and social justice: no one can adapt in isolation, neither medically nor economically. An out-of-control climate will lead to the same situation, so the asymmetry of vulnerability between developed and developing countries (and also between wealthy and poor people within the same country) is only a short-term illusion.

Designing Function-Specific Plant Systems for Sustainable Urban Development

Increasingly, architects are embracing “biomorphic urbanism,” a design ideology that takes inspiration from nature to develop more sustainable cities that reduce the environmental impact of urban life. At the moment, plants are incorporated into biomorphic urban designs for conservation or aesthetic reasons. Here, I argue the role of plants in building more sustainable cities can be augmented by integrating plant sciences, ecology, and urban design. I propose that we can develop synthetic Function-Specific Plant Systems (FSPSs) which harness the genetic and metabolic diversity of plants to perform specific services that benefit society and the environment as a whole. FSPSs can contribute to three broad categories of urban life: Urban Landscape and Infrastructure; Biodiversity and the Environment; and Human Health. Across the three categories, FSPSs can be designed to provide nine key services: flood control, soil stabilization, fire control, climate control, water treatment, habitat for endangered flora and fauna, pest control, air purification, and modulation of human immune systems. The plants included in each FSPS are based on several considerations, including (1) functional traits, (2) biogeography, and (3) cultural concerns. In the future, synthetic biology could improve, expand and diversify these services. This approach harnesses plant biodiversity to transform urban spaces while meeting key UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Seed Biology of Witchgrass (Panicum capillare L.) Ensures Its Success Under Different Environmental Conditions

Witchgrass (Panicum capillare L.) is a summer growing grass weed species and is increasing its prevalence in southern Australia. A better understanding of the seed biology is needed to effectively manage this weed. A series of field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine seed germination factors, field emergence patterns, and soil seedbank longevity. Witchgrass germination was stimulated by light and it germinated better at temperature over 20°C, with 93–100% germination at the two constant temperatures of 20 and 30°C, and the two alternating day/night temperatures of 30/25 and 35/25°C. It is highly tolerant to moisture stress at germination, with 2–7% germination even at −0.48 Mpa. Witchgrass seed lost 47–68% viability after 12 months of burial in the soil, however the seed persisted for more than 4 years if buried at 10 cm in the soil. Witchgrass emergence in southern New South Wales (NSW) commenced in mid spring (early October), with peak emergence of 63–83% in November and then significantly reduced to 16–37% emergence in December. Little emergence (<1%) occurred in the summer months from January to February. These results provide useful information for designing effective management strategies and the optimum timing of control. Climate change could favor the phenological development and the further spread of this weed, which present new challenges for its effective management. Further study is needed to investigate the impact of climate change on the biology, spread, and management of witchgrass.

A REVIEW OF WETLANDS AND COASTAL RESOURCES OF THE NIGER DELTA: POTENTIALS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. The Niger Delta in Nigeria is the largest wetland in Africa and the third largest mangrove forest in the world with three sites listed as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. The Niger Delta wetlands and coastal resources are of high monetary significance to the local dwellers and the nation in general. This highly coveted wetland is changing rapidly, raising concern for its attendant implication on the communities relying upon its ecosystem potentials. A comprehensive data of the facilities delivered by wetlands is a significant key for real-time wetland ecosystem management. Existing literatures, were synthesized for this review on the potentials, challenges and prospects of the Niger Delta wetlands. It is pertinent from this review that the Niger Delta Wetland is wealthy in aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity of high financial significance to development of Nigeria, and is being challenged by natural and human activities such as dam construction, logging/lumbering, over-grazing, unrestrained tilling of soil for crop production, wetland reclamation, dredging, oil and gas exploration, over-fishing, invasive plant infestation, pollution, Coastal Infrastructure construction, poverty, droughts, desertification, sand storm, alien invasion, sea rising, erosion, etc. The Niger Delta Wetlands harbor tremendous wealth and supply many services that are necessary for human well-being such as location for spiritual renewal and recreation (eco-tourism), flood control, climate regulation, crop pollination, soil regeneration, raw material, energy, air and water purification; food chain supply, and medicines (Herbal solutions). This review postulates that in view of the immense significance and status of the Niger Delta Wetlands, effective and sequential monitoring be put in place by the establishment of centers of excellence in all universities in the Niger Delta Region with emphasis on studying the rich economic diversity of the wetland using remote sensing and Geographic Information System technologies for efficient conservation and management of the wetland resources.

AIR POLLUTION AND ITS IMPACT ON CLIMATE CHANGES IN IRAQ

The issue of air pollution and its impact on climate change is a subject of great global and local interest. Significant attention is being paid to Iraq by distributing a range of observation and monitoring stations for atmospheric concentrations of gases and pollutants, with permanent pollution centers or sources in Iraq and the most prominent causes being examined, as well as the impact of airborne pollutants on climate component values This was clearly reflected in the climate changes, the most prominent feature of which was the rise in temperatures and the lack of rain fall in Mosul, Baghdad and Basra stations, and this was clearly reflected in the environment, where drought and death of animals were evident, especially in the southern marshes of Iraq. The study developed a range of ways to reduce air pollution and control climate change by adopting a range of means to adapt to it, thus classifying Iraq among the countries with fragile ecosystems, which have a quick impact on air pollutants.