Impacts of Climate Change on Temperature and Precipitation in Nepal: Projections and Bias Correction

Hari Prasad Dhital

Institute of Engineering, Purwanchal Campus, Tribhuvan University

Madhav Joshi

Institute of Engineering, Kathmandu Engineering College, Tribhuvan University

Nabin Budhathoki

Institute of Engineering, Kathmandu Engineering College, Tribhuvan University

*Corresponding author: haridhital34@gmail.com

Abstract

Climate change is likely to have a significant impact on Nepal, affecting its infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources. This study created day-to-day bias-corrected data of precipitation (ppt), maximum temperature (tmax) and minimum temperature (tmin) at 0.25° spatial resolution for Nepal using 7 CMIP6-GCMs under two shared socioeconomic pathways, SSP245 and SSP585. The bias-corrected datasets were produced using an empirical robust quantile mapping method for ppt and quantile mapping with linear transformation function method for tmax and tmin. The bias-corrected dataset was evaluated by comparing it against observed data for the mean values of ppt, tmax and tmin. Our bias-corrected projections reveal a warming of 4-6°C and an increase in ppt of 40-60% by the end of the 21st century. These changes will have a significant impact on Nepal's climate, environment, and people. The bias-corrected projections can be used to assess the impact of climate change in Nepal and to develop adaptation strategies.

Keywords: Climate change, Bias-Correction, CMIP6, Global Climate Model, Nepal

Received 20.07.2023; Revised 18.09.2023; Accepted 02.11.2023

Cite This Article: Dhital, H.P., Joshi, M., & Budhathoki, N. (2023). Impacts of Climate Change on Temperature and Precipitation in Nepal: Projections and Bias Correction. Journal of Sustainability and Environmental Management, 2(4), 203-212. doi: https://doi.org/10.3126/josem.v2i4.61020

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Impacts of Climate Change in Bangladesh and its Consequences on Public Health

Golam Kibria*

Centre for Environment and Climate Change Research (CECCR), Bangladesh

Hashinur Rahman Pavel

Centre for Environment and Climate Change Research (CECCR), Bangladesh

Md. Rashed Miah

Centre for Environment and Climate Change Research (CECCR), Bangladesh

Md. Raisul Islam

Centre for Environment and Climate Change Research (CECCR), Bangladesh

*Corresponding author: golam_kibria69@yahoo.com

Abstract

Climate change can affect many aspects of our lives, for example, health and environment, access to natural resources, safety and security, agriculture and food production. Health issues are the most crucial and burning difficulties for human beings in all of these aspects. The scope of this review considered commonly used methodologies for climate change-induced diseases research and assessment of climate-induced health problems throughout Bangladesh. Surveys, key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussion (FGD), registered hospital visit patient data as well as and other similar methodologies are found popular in this research area. Negligible studies are found that used experimental method including laboratory analysis and registered hospital visit of patient information. Very few experimental studies observed water sample tests and human health-related samples like urine and blood pressure. People living in the coastal part has climate-induced crisis like salinity intrusion, cyclone, storm surge that lead to health problems like diarrhea, cholera, skin diseases, typhoid, chicken pox. While people living in both drought-prone and flood prone areas have health problems like diarrhea, cholera, fever, and skin diseases. People living in the urban and the hilly regions have climate induced crisis of increased temperature and they suffer from vector-borne diseases. Waterborne communicable diseases are the most common climate-induced diseases found in this review. Waterborne non-communicable diseases like hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and gynecological problems during pregnancy are common and women suffers a lot. Blood pressure and related cardiovascular diseases, jaundice, and respiratory issues are also getting worse day by day which has strong connection with climate change effects like temperature, rainfall and salinity.

Keywords: Climate-induced, Communicable, Health, Salinity, Vector-borne, Waterborne

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/josem.v1i3.48002

Conflicts of interest: None
Supporting agencies: None

Received 30.06.2022; Revised 19.08.2022; Accepted 27.08.2022

Cite This Article: Kibria, G., Pavel, H.R., Miah, M.R., & Islam, M.R. (2022). Impacts of Climate Change in Bangladesh and its Consequences on Public Health. Journal of Sustainability and Environmental Management, 1(3), 359-370. doi: https://doi.org/10.3126/josem.v1i3.48002

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© The Author(s) 2022. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

Impact of Climate and Land Use Changes on the Livelihood of Residents in Calabar River Basin, South-eastern Nigeria

Ibiso Michael Inko –Tariah

Coastal Research Group (COREG), Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Temple Probyne Abali

Coastal Research Group (COREG), Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Leonard Michae

Coastal Research Group (COREG), Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Onyinyechi Aminigbo

Coastal Research Group (COREG), Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: ibiso.inko-tariah@ust.edu.ng 

Abstract

Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and fuel combustion have caused climatic and land use changes, affecting the livelihood of residents negatively in Calabar River Basin, South-eastern Nigeria. In the region, there has been a constant and prolonged rise in temperature. To determine the status of climatic change, data sets spanning 43 years (1971-2014) were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and compared to NIMET's historical meteorological data maps of Nigeria between 1941-1970 and 1971-2000, commonly known as the base period. In contrast, utilizing imageries from several satellites (Landsat), multi-temporal dates (MSS 1980, TM 1990, ETM 2000, and ETM+2010) and ArcGIS, researchers were able to determine the Land Use Changes / Land Covers (LULC) that have occurred in the Calabar river basin through time (1980-2020). Climate data revealed a historical sequence of temperature rises, as evidenced by late beginning and early cessation of rainfall, which had a negative influence on agriculture. Similarly, the investigation found that the environment has been warmer as temperatures have risen significantly, and that the harmattan dust haze has also increased in recent years. The investigation for LULC came up with six broad classifications: urban (built-up), water bodies, forest, farm, grass, and bare areas. Built-up area and farmland land uses have increased dramatically (3.19%-20.73%) and (10.20% -23.79%), respectively; forest (35.85%- 24.84%), water bodies (8.77%- 5.27%), Grassland (24.68%- 12.67%), and bare land uses have decreased dramatically (17.31%-12.69%). Since 1941 through 2020, temperatures have risen at a pace of 0.14° F (0.08° C) every decade, and the rate of warming is more than twice that: 0.32° F (0.18° C) per decade. The shortening of the rainy season has been forced by the late start and early cessation of rains. This has had a negative impact on the region's farming activities. The study recommends reforestation and the formation of forest reserves, greater energy efficiency, a shift to renewable resources / cleaner sources of energy (solar and wind), and reduced deforestation to mitigate the risks connected with climate and land use changes.

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Clean Transport Network in Nigerian Environment: Climatic Issues and Way Forward

Oluwadare Joshua OYEBODE*

Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria 

*Corresponding author: oyebodedare@yahoo.com 

Abstract

There is dire need for adequate planning and digital innovations for developing clean transport networks in African urban communities for better climatic condition and sustainable green environment. This paper examines climatic actions and sustainability perspectives of clean transport network development in Nigeria. Methodology adopted included reconnaissance survey of transport facilities, literature survey, checking of available data and government policy on clean transport network in Nigeria. Other information was also obtained from interview of selected engineers and energy experts in transportation sectors. Finding revealed that there is need to improve on financial capacities and future investments in digital advancements for integrated solutions in infrastructural development, resilient communities and transportation facilities for environmental health and clean transport network. The transportation industry is crucial to meet climate change mitigation goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Because of the expanding demand for transportation from various economic sectors such as industry, energy, health, home, and commercial and other aspects, the demand for transportation is in increasing trend. All issues related to road construction, Public Private Partnerships, traffic management and contract adjudication in transport sector must be carefully resolved. The paper concluded that there is urgent need to strengthen the development of clean transport network in Nigerian environment especially on climate action and sustainability perspectives. The impact of sustainable applications of mobility cannot be over emphasized. Adequate engineering and sustainable green initiatives should be deployed for economic growth and clean transport network in Nigeria.

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Climate Change Perspective: The Advantage and Disadvantage of COVID-19 Pandemic

Kyaw Than Oo*

Nanjing University of Information Science, Nanjing, China 

Moh Moh Zaw Thin

Dagon University of Art and Science, Yangon, Myanmar

*Corresponding author: kyawthanoo34@outlook.com 

Abstract

Government initiatives during the COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on global energy consumption patterns. Many international borders were blocked, and individuals were confined to their homes, restricting mobility and changing social habits. The lockdowns introduced economic, physical, and social pastimes to a halt. However, as an advantage, the world had a good effect on air quality, the environment, and greenhouse gases (GHGs), in particular CO2 emissions. When compared to the mean 2019 levels, daily worldwide CO2 emissions had fallen by –17 % (–11 to –25 % for 1) by early April 2020, with changes in surface transportation accounting for little under half of the decline. The total global CO2 reduction from January to April 2020 was predicted to be more than 1749 Mt CO2 (a 14.3 % decline), with the transportation sector contributing the most (58%) followed by coal power generation (29%), and industry (10%). As a result, transportation was identified as the primary source of more than half of the emissions reduction during the epidemic. As of August 23, 2021, 193 countries produced 8.4 million tons of pandemic-related plastic waste, with 25.9 thousand tons dumped into the ocean, accounting for 1.5 percent of total riverine plastic discharge globally. As a result of China and India's record-breaking confirmed cases, MMPW generation and discharge are projected to be more skewed toward Asia. The study found that hospital trash accounts for 73% of global discharge and that Asia accounts for 72% of global discharge, indicating the need for better medical waste management in emerging countries. This review highlights the brief lessening in GHG outflows and expanded request for single-use plastics, including the weight of an as of now out-of-control worldwide plastic squander emergency caused by the COVID-19 widespread. This review also will be helpful for people to understand the COVID-19 impact on climate change point of view. There is advantage and disadvantage brought by this pandemic and it's the best time to change the new normal of globalization. Global policies makers should consider the acute need to change the policies for a circular economy with the best environment sustainable, both during the pandemic and, more significantly, thereafter. The authors of the reference articles on the COVID-19 pandemic hope their findings will aid attempts to better understand the disease's relationship to climate change. If lessons from both global crises are learned, the world may be better prepared to deal with global climate change, which has local consequences.

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Impact of Climate Change on Gujjar and Bakarwal Communities of Jammu and Kashmir

Sajad Ahmad Mir*

Cluster University Jammu, India

Maliha Batool

Jammu University, India

*Corresponding author: s7006178221@gmail.com

Abstract

Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone. It has been estimated that the developing nations will suffer the most from the effects of climate change. The underdeveloped nations will most likely experience the negative effects of climate variability. They are more susceptible to climate change due to their low adaptive capacity. This study has found the impact of climate change on the Gujjar and Bajarwals of Jammu and Kashmir. The present study is based on the primary data collected from 507 respondents of Thanala village of Bhaderah tehsil of Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The data was collected using survey questionnaire and was analysed through various statistical tools to draw results. The pastoralist community is one of the many communities that were most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Modernization was identified as the major cause behind climatic changes. Climate change and the livelihood patterns of pastoralists are interlinked with each other. This relationship is not only linked to the traditional adaptation strategies but also to the level of land-use change.

Keywords: Bakarwal, Climate change, Gujjar, Jammu and Kashmir, Modernization

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Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment: An Evaluation of Social Dimension

Auwal Garba*

Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi, Nigeria

Bukar Abba Gana

Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi, Nigeria

Isah Mohammed 

Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi, Nigeria

Haruna Adamu

Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: agwuntee@gmail.com 

Abstract

Climate change vulnerability is the function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of its natural and socioeconomic systems. Following spatial “scale” of the assessment, administrative-territorial units were selected for this study. A field survey questionnaire was used to collect data for the study based on the sample size of 500 questionnaires that was administered to household heads in the study area. In the questionnaire, questions were designed to give respondents the opportunity to choose from several alternatives given in the instrument while descriptive statistics was for the analysis of data. Descriptive statistics analysis based on mean ranking was carried out to identify the level of peoples’ vulnerability to climate change in the study area. The exposure assessment was based on the response analysis of baseline information. The sensitivity assessment for the study was analyzed by using physiographical and socioeconomic characteristics, described by a set of specific indicators and responses of the residents. The adaptive capacity was captured by general economic and agricultural indicators, taking into consideration the major occupation the predominant lifestyle of the residents. Through a ranking approach, the relative vulnerability of each ATU was calculated by summing its sensitivity and adaptive capacity ranks; the latter were obtained as combinations of their primary indicator ranks, arranged in an increasing and decreasing order, respectively. The major climate change exposure pathway in the study area were reduction in green environment, decrease in total annual rainfall, warmer weather, early cessation of rainfall, late on-set of rainfall and shrinkage of water bodies. The major sensitivity to climate change was decrease in crop yield, whereas increase in cost of food crops, drought incidents, famine, poverty, indiscriminate falling down of trees and disaster. It was also established that the major adaptive strategies to climate change in the study area were irrigation farming, use of organic manure, planting of drought tolerant varieties and early planting.

Keywords: Assessment, Climate change, Nigeria, Sensitivity, Vulnerability

DOI: https://doi.org/xx

Conflicts of interest: None

Supporting agencies: None

Received XX; Revised 13.02.2022; Accepted XXXX

Cite This Article: Garba, A., Gana, B.A., Mohammed, I., & Adamu, H. (2022). Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment: An Evaluation of Social Dimension. Journal of Sustainability and Environmental Management, 1(2), x-x. doi: xxxxxxxx

Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability: A Conceptual and Theoretical Review

Abstract: The extensive scope of climate change research and the diversity of scientific traditions involved in vulnerability research have resulted in different conceptual definitions and theoretical conceptualizations of the climate vulnerability phenomenon. This diversity of interpretations has led to copious methods for operationalizing vulnerability as an analytical concept, i.e., frameworks and approaches for vulnerability assessments. This paper is intended to review literature on climate change vulnerability by exploring and synthesizing the various conceptual and analytical frameworks which is regarded to be important in the assessment of vulnerability to climate change. From the reviewed literature, several interpretation of the concept of climate change vulnerability as well as theoretical frameworks are brought to the fore. The paper further highlighted on the two well- known methodologies of estimating vulnerability in literature; the vulnerability variable assessment method and the indicator technique by espousing the merits and demerits of each approach. It is suggested that exploring integrated quantitative vulnerability assessment approach will enhance the understanding of climate change vulnerabilities.

Danladi Yusuf Gumel

Department of Geography, School of Secondary Education, Arts & Social Science, Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel, Nigeria 

*Corresponding author: danladiysf67@gmail.com 

Abstract

The extensive scope of climate change research and the diversity of scientific traditions involved in vulnerability research have resulted in different conceptual definitions and theoretical conceptualizations of the climate vulnerability phenomenon. This diversity of interpretations has led to copious methods for operationalizing vulnerability as an analytical concept, i.e., frameworks and approaches for vulnerability assessments. This paper is intended to review literature on climate change vulnerability by exploring and synthesizing the various conceptual and analytical frameworks which is regarded to be important in the assessment of vulnerability to climate change. From the reviewed literature, several interpretation of the concept of climate change vulnerability as well as theoretical frameworks are brought to the fore. The paper further highlighted on the two well- known methodologies of estimating vulnerability in literature; the vulnerability variable assessment method and the indicator technique by espousing the merits and demerits of each approach. It is suggested that exploring integrated quantitative vulnerability assessment approach will enhance the understanding of climate change vulnerabilities.