Browse
Abstract
This paper implements the “spatial first differences” (SFD) method to a Ricardian approach to analyze spatial differences in climate and evaluate their impact on farmland values in New Zealand. We use property valuation data from 1993 to 2018 across different agricultural land-uses. Ricardian analyses harness cross-sectional variation in climate and farmland values to estimate the effect of climate on agriculture. However, Ricardian studies are vulnerable to omitted variables varying slowly or not varying over time. The idea of the SFD approach is to apply spatial analogous of the “first-differences” estimator for longitudinal analyses to control for omitted variables that vary differently than climate variables among neighboring units. The results suggest that a warmer or drier climate is associated with higher farmland values in New Zealand. These findings may be mediated by productivity differences, costly physical improvements, and climate amenity values. Besides contributing novel insights by applying the Ricardian approach to New Zealand data and overcoming challenges of unobserved heterogeneity with the SFD method, we conclude that, for a better understanding of the welfare implications of climate change, it is crucial to differentiate between the effects of costly improvements and amenity values, apart from the pure climate productivity effect.
Abstract
This paper implements the “spatial first differences” (SFD) method to a Ricardian approach to analyze spatial differences in climate and evaluate their impact on farmland values in New Zealand. We use property valuation data from 1993 to 2018 across different agricultural land-uses. Ricardian analyses harness cross-sectional variation in climate and farmland values to estimate the effect of climate on agriculture. However, Ricardian studies are vulnerable to omitted variables varying slowly or not varying over time. The idea of the SFD approach is to apply spatial analogous of the “first-differences” estimator for longitudinal analyses to control for omitted variables that vary differently than climate variables among neighboring units. The results suggest that a warmer or drier climate is associated with higher farmland values in New Zealand. These findings may be mediated by productivity differences, costly physical improvements, and climate amenity values. Besides contributing novel insights by applying the Ricardian approach to New Zealand data and overcoming challenges of unobserved heterogeneity with the SFD method, we conclude that, for a better understanding of the welfare implications of climate change, it is crucial to differentiate between the effects of costly improvements and amenity values, apart from the pure climate productivity effect.
Abstract
To better understand individuals’ behaviour in the face of a natural disaster, and to evaluate the preventive information provided by French local authorities, the theatrical performance “Safe and Sound?” (“Sain et Sauf ?”), and its accompanying debriefing session, was tested in six French Alps municipalities in 2019 and 2020 several 2-day sessions in collaboration with local authorities. 200 people took part in this theatrical performance and interviews. The “Safe and Sound?” scheme is based on a 15-minute play, followed by the collection of data from watching the play and debriefing with an interviewer, during about 30 minutes. Two scenarios on flood risks and on seismic risks were narrated by an actor introducing dilemma. Interviews were transcribed and analysed to determine the level and sources of knowledge about the two natural hazards, and the behaviour during a simulation with an actor. Most participants immediately headed to safety only to later put themselves in danger when confronted with an insistent neighbour and the introduction of emotion-provoking characters, i.e. children. When making their choice at each stimulus, participants evoke different sources of reason. A little under half of participants mention common sense or instinct. Although the majority of participants claim they received preventive information from local authorities, this information is rarely applied. The media and own experience were mentioned more often. Lastly, the “Safe and Sound?” campaign was designed to assess behaviour, but findings show that it was also useful to raise awareness among the population.
Abstract
To better understand individuals’ behaviour in the face of a natural disaster, and to evaluate the preventive information provided by French local authorities, the theatrical performance “Safe and Sound?” (“Sain et Sauf ?”), and its accompanying debriefing session, was tested in six French Alps municipalities in 2019 and 2020 several 2-day sessions in collaboration with local authorities. 200 people took part in this theatrical performance and interviews. The “Safe and Sound?” scheme is based on a 15-minute play, followed by the collection of data from watching the play and debriefing with an interviewer, during about 30 minutes. Two scenarios on flood risks and on seismic risks were narrated by an actor introducing dilemma. Interviews were transcribed and analysed to determine the level and sources of knowledge about the two natural hazards, and the behaviour during a simulation with an actor. Most participants immediately headed to safety only to later put themselves in danger when confronted with an insistent neighbour and the introduction of emotion-provoking characters, i.e. children. When making their choice at each stimulus, participants evoke different sources of reason. A little under half of participants mention common sense or instinct. Although the majority of participants claim they received preventive information from local authorities, this information is rarely applied. The media and own experience were mentioned more often. Lastly, the “Safe and Sound?” campaign was designed to assess behaviour, but findings show that it was also useful to raise awareness among the population.
Abstract
This study aims to examine the climate change education (CCE) provision in grade 5 textbooks (science and social studies) and the competence of teachers in teaching CCE in a primary girls’ schools in Skardu, Baltistan, Pakistan. It employs mixed-method research that uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data. The first phase of the study involved collecting qualitative data to examine the provision of CCE content in selected textbooks taught in grade 5. The researcher adapted an interview questionnaire to assess the competence of teachers teaching in 38 schools. The provision of themes and topics based on the seven principles of climate literacy given by the U.S. Global Change Research Program was identified by using latent content analysis (LCA). The study concludes that science and social studies textbooks lack the incorporation of CCE content of principles 1, 4, 6, and 7. Furthermore, the majority of teachers have not received training to use digital media and apply activity-based methods to engage campus and community support for CCE. The study also found that the selected schools lack school planting campaigns, CCE committees, and CCE walks. Above all, the respondents possess conflicting views about whether climate change is a natural or human-contributed phenomenon.
Significance Statement
Like other countries around the globe, Pakistan is the victim of climatic disasters which have disastrous effects on the economy, agriculture, healthcare, and weather conditions. These effects are exacerbated by lacking awareness, attitudinal issues, and poor pro-climate-supported practices at the academic and societal levels (Asian Development Bank 2022). Awareness, knowledge, and a supportive environment during childhood form attitudes and promote practices that have lasting impacts throughout the life of the individual (Gulraiz and Ali 2021). Therefore, children need to learn and adopt proclimate lifestyles, such as observing cleanliness, practicing planting, and judicious use of energy resources. With this background, we assessed the textbooks based on seven principles of climate literacy given by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP 2009) and observed that principles 1, 4, 6, and 7 are not adequately addressed in science and social studies textbooks taught in public schools. Moreover, teachers have not received training to use digital media and gather campus and community support, and they have a stereotypical understanding of climate change. The study possesses significant implications for curriculum revisions and elementary education management to address the gaps relating to climate change education (CCE).
Abstract
This study aims to examine the climate change education (CCE) provision in grade 5 textbooks (science and social studies) and the competence of teachers in teaching CCE in a primary girls’ schools in Skardu, Baltistan, Pakistan. It employs mixed-method research that uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data. The first phase of the study involved collecting qualitative data to examine the provision of CCE content in selected textbooks taught in grade 5. The researcher adapted an interview questionnaire to assess the competence of teachers teaching in 38 schools. The provision of themes and topics based on the seven principles of climate literacy given by the U.S. Global Change Research Program was identified by using latent content analysis (LCA). The study concludes that science and social studies textbooks lack the incorporation of CCE content of principles 1, 4, 6, and 7. Furthermore, the majority of teachers have not received training to use digital media and apply activity-based methods to engage campus and community support for CCE. The study also found that the selected schools lack school planting campaigns, CCE committees, and CCE walks. Above all, the respondents possess conflicting views about whether climate change is a natural or human-contributed phenomenon.
Significance Statement
Like other countries around the globe, Pakistan is the victim of climatic disasters which have disastrous effects on the economy, agriculture, healthcare, and weather conditions. These effects are exacerbated by lacking awareness, attitudinal issues, and poor pro-climate-supported practices at the academic and societal levels (Asian Development Bank 2022). Awareness, knowledge, and a supportive environment during childhood form attitudes and promote practices that have lasting impacts throughout the life of the individual (Gulraiz and Ali 2021). Therefore, children need to learn and adopt proclimate lifestyles, such as observing cleanliness, practicing planting, and judicious use of energy resources. With this background, we assessed the textbooks based on seven principles of climate literacy given by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP 2009) and observed that principles 1, 4, 6, and 7 are not adequately addressed in science and social studies textbooks taught in public schools. Moreover, teachers have not received training to use digital media and gather campus and community support, and they have a stereotypical understanding of climate change. The study possesses significant implications for curriculum revisions and elementary education management to address the gaps relating to climate change education (CCE).
Abstract
Rip currents are poorly understood by the public and thus a leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. Individuals who speak languages other than English, such as Spanish-speaking communities, have been historically underserved by communication efforts for natural hazards and thus are at additional risk from rip currents. In response, the National Weather Service (NWS) has developed rip current outreach tools translated into Spanish in recent years, though their efficacy has not been systematically tested. We therefore surveyed members of the Spanish-speaking community in the New York City area to gain insights into how the NWS two-page rip current informational brochure is working and possible improvements to be made. The English version of the brochure was also tested, and the results from the two languages were compared. Quantitative survey results indicate that while both brochures are generally effective, several changes could be made to improve clarity, especially for Spanish speakers, who found more issues with the Spanish version. For example, the translation of the term rip current itself used by the NWS, “corrientes de resaca,” was determined to be confusing by some Spanish speakers, as were other pieces of text with complex scientific terms. Moreover, certain graphics contained in the brochure were difficult to understand for users in both languages. The results of this work can be used by the NWS and other agencies to improve their Spanish risk communication tools and can also be used as a guide when translating scientific information into other languages.
Significance Statement
Rip currents, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from the shore, are among the leading weather-related killers in the United States yet are poorly understood by the public. Recent efforts to reduce society’s vulnerability to rip currents include the translation of outreach materials from English to Spanish. This study evaluated a new National Weather Service Spanish rip current informational brochure and compared it to the English version. The results show that while both the English and Spanish brochures were generally effective at communicating risk, the Spanish version had more issues, primarily surrounding the translation of scientific terms and phrases. Findings from this research can help guide scientists in designing improved non-English severe weather outreach products.
Abstract
Rip currents are poorly understood by the public and thus a leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. Individuals who speak languages other than English, such as Spanish-speaking communities, have been historically underserved by communication efforts for natural hazards and thus are at additional risk from rip currents. In response, the National Weather Service (NWS) has developed rip current outreach tools translated into Spanish in recent years, though their efficacy has not been systematically tested. We therefore surveyed members of the Spanish-speaking community in the New York City area to gain insights into how the NWS two-page rip current informational brochure is working and possible improvements to be made. The English version of the brochure was also tested, and the results from the two languages were compared. Quantitative survey results indicate that while both brochures are generally effective, several changes could be made to improve clarity, especially for Spanish speakers, who found more issues with the Spanish version. For example, the translation of the term rip current itself used by the NWS, “corrientes de resaca,” was determined to be confusing by some Spanish speakers, as were other pieces of text with complex scientific terms. Moreover, certain graphics contained in the brochure were difficult to understand for users in both languages. The results of this work can be used by the NWS and other agencies to improve their Spanish risk communication tools and can also be used as a guide when translating scientific information into other languages.
Significance Statement
Rip currents, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from the shore, are among the leading weather-related killers in the United States yet are poorly understood by the public. Recent efforts to reduce society’s vulnerability to rip currents include the translation of outreach materials from English to Spanish. This study evaluated a new National Weather Service Spanish rip current informational brochure and compared it to the English version. The results show that while both the English and Spanish brochures were generally effective at communicating risk, the Spanish version had more issues, primarily surrounding the translation of scientific terms and phrases. Findings from this research can help guide scientists in designing improved non-English severe weather outreach products.
Abstract
Prolonged drought poses significant challenges for food and fiber production in the U.S. Southwest, where range livestock production has great economic and cultural significance. Sustaining rangeland agriculture in the region necessitates swift and nimble uptake of drought adaptations. While Extension serves as a promising resource to drought adaptation among ranchers, how Extension staff perceive their capacity to support ranching clientele in that endeavor is not well understood. We interviewed university Extension professionals across New Mexico to explore their perceptions of drought. We found that their perceived ability to aid in drought adaptation was dependent upon interpersonal, as well as structural, factors. These factors differed across ranching regions in New Mexico. This case study highlights the importance of Extension networks, opportunity for novel Extension training, and a need for heightened attention to structural barriers.
Abstract
Prolonged drought poses significant challenges for food and fiber production in the U.S. Southwest, where range livestock production has great economic and cultural significance. Sustaining rangeland agriculture in the region necessitates swift and nimble uptake of drought adaptations. While Extension serves as a promising resource to drought adaptation among ranchers, how Extension staff perceive their capacity to support ranching clientele in that endeavor is not well understood. We interviewed university Extension professionals across New Mexico to explore their perceptions of drought. We found that their perceived ability to aid in drought adaptation was dependent upon interpersonal, as well as structural, factors. These factors differed across ranching regions in New Mexico. This case study highlights the importance of Extension networks, opportunity for novel Extension training, and a need for heightened attention to structural barriers.
Abstract
Navigating the Great Lakes during icy conditions poses significant safety challenges for the shipping sector. Available ice information is uncertain and fragmented, and navigators must seek out multiple sources for information at the spatial and temporal scales they require, if the information is available at all. Navigators have expressed that they require more highly localized and easily usable information for current and predicted ice conditions to support decision-making. In this study, we seek to meet this information need by applying a boundary organizations chain (BOC) approach to facilitate the co-production of an actionable short-term Great Lakes ice forecast. We focus on two main aspects of this research: 1) producing an actionable decision-support product that meets the needs of Great Lakes ice navigators, and 2) contributing to the knowledge co-production scholarship on BOCs by providing a detailed account of our methods to create a BOC and co-produce an actionable ice forecast. Our results support incorporating existing communities of practice (COPs) into BOCs to enhance the co-production of actionable knowledge, specifically through increasing their complementarity and embeddedness. COPs are informal networks of users that meet voluntarily to share knowledge and develop professional skills, which we found naturally builds the co-production capacities of participants (e.g. embeddedness and complementarity). We also find that COP members are well positioned to disseminate co-produced knowledge across wider user groups.
Abstract
Navigating the Great Lakes during icy conditions poses significant safety challenges for the shipping sector. Available ice information is uncertain and fragmented, and navigators must seek out multiple sources for information at the spatial and temporal scales they require, if the information is available at all. Navigators have expressed that they require more highly localized and easily usable information for current and predicted ice conditions to support decision-making. In this study, we seek to meet this information need by applying a boundary organizations chain (BOC) approach to facilitate the co-production of an actionable short-term Great Lakes ice forecast. We focus on two main aspects of this research: 1) producing an actionable decision-support product that meets the needs of Great Lakes ice navigators, and 2) contributing to the knowledge co-production scholarship on BOCs by providing a detailed account of our methods to create a BOC and co-produce an actionable ice forecast. Our results support incorporating existing communities of practice (COPs) into BOCs to enhance the co-production of actionable knowledge, specifically through increasing their complementarity and embeddedness. COPs are informal networks of users that meet voluntarily to share knowledge and develop professional skills, which we found naturally builds the co-production capacities of participants (e.g. embeddedness and complementarity). We also find that COP members are well positioned to disseminate co-produced knowledge across wider user groups.
Abstract
Quantifying the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions along the whole value chain is essential for effective greenhouse gas management. Two types of the most popular restaurants in Thailand were included in this study: 1) a restaurant that specialized in northeastern Thai cuisine with an area of 94 m2 and 41 000 clients per year and 2) a restaurant serving Japanese–Thai fusion meals with an area of 284 m2 with 59 000 clients per year. Notably, the scope 3 GHG emissions were the highest (76%–81% of total emissions). The main contributors at both restaurants were raw material acquisition, followed by transportation of raw materials and waste management. It was suggested that the restaurants should not overlook the major sources of scope 3 GHG emissions, especially in food procurement, transportation from suppliers, and waste management. GHG management measures that could be applied include using local food ingredients, buying raw materials from nearby locations, simulating transport routes to minimize the distance of transport, and separating food wastes and sorting recyclable packaging wastes for further use. In addition, the restaurants could flag low-carbon footprint meals on their menus to engage their customers in contributing to GHG reductions.
Abstract
Quantifying the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions along the whole value chain is essential for effective greenhouse gas management. Two types of the most popular restaurants in Thailand were included in this study: 1) a restaurant that specialized in northeastern Thai cuisine with an area of 94 m2 and 41 000 clients per year and 2) a restaurant serving Japanese–Thai fusion meals with an area of 284 m2 with 59 000 clients per year. Notably, the scope 3 GHG emissions were the highest (76%–81% of total emissions). The main contributors at both restaurants were raw material acquisition, followed by transportation of raw materials and waste management. It was suggested that the restaurants should not overlook the major sources of scope 3 GHG emissions, especially in food procurement, transportation from suppliers, and waste management. GHG management measures that could be applied include using local food ingredients, buying raw materials from nearby locations, simulating transport routes to minimize the distance of transport, and separating food wastes and sorting recyclable packaging wastes for further use. In addition, the restaurants could flag low-carbon footprint meals on their menus to engage their customers in contributing to GHG reductions.
Abstract
Lightning around the world poses a significant threat to life, infrastructure, and economic sectors. This study evaluates lightning risk at the municipal level in Mexico, recognizing the interplay of hazard and vulnerability in risk estimation. Despite declining lightning-related fatalities, possibly attributed to demographic shifts and improved urban infrastructure, persistent social vulnerability exists, particularly among rural populations engaged in labor-intensive agriculture with lower education levels. We estimate a risk map for lightning-related fatality risk in Mexico, where we identify high-risk regions along the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Pacific coast, and central and southeastern Mexico, marked by elevated lightning days and social vulnerability. The risk map integrates hazard and social vulnerability, capturing the distribution of fatality incidents, and it reveals that 82.1% of incidents occurred in municipalities categorized as “high” or “very high” risk. This result emphasizes the need to consider both physical hazard and social vulnerability for a comprehensive assessment of lightning risk. This study contributes to understanding lightning risk in Mexico, providing crucial insights at the municipality level for informing policymaking and targeting risk mitigation strategies. By highlighting the interrelation of hazard and social vulnerability, this research aligns with broader goals of enhancing local resilience and safety in the face of natural hazards, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster risk reduction efforts.
Significance Statement
This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of death by lightning at the municipality level in Mexico, considering the intricate interplay between hazard and social vulnerability. By analyzing both the physical hazard of lightning and the social vulnerability of exposed populations, the study provides a map estimating the risk level for each municipality. The risk map, capturing the interrelation of hazard and vulnerability, provides a powerful tool for policymakers and emergency responders. With 82.1% of lightning fatalities concentrated in municipalities with “high” and “very high” risk, this work underscores the need for comprehensive risk assessment strategies. This research contributes knowledge for informed decision-making, targeted interventions, and the ongoing pursuit of enhancing community resilience to lightning-related hazards.
Abstract
Lightning around the world poses a significant threat to life, infrastructure, and economic sectors. This study evaluates lightning risk at the municipal level in Mexico, recognizing the interplay of hazard and vulnerability in risk estimation. Despite declining lightning-related fatalities, possibly attributed to demographic shifts and improved urban infrastructure, persistent social vulnerability exists, particularly among rural populations engaged in labor-intensive agriculture with lower education levels. We estimate a risk map for lightning-related fatality risk in Mexico, where we identify high-risk regions along the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Pacific coast, and central and southeastern Mexico, marked by elevated lightning days and social vulnerability. The risk map integrates hazard and social vulnerability, capturing the distribution of fatality incidents, and it reveals that 82.1% of incidents occurred in municipalities categorized as “high” or “very high” risk. This result emphasizes the need to consider both physical hazard and social vulnerability for a comprehensive assessment of lightning risk. This study contributes to understanding lightning risk in Mexico, providing crucial insights at the municipality level for informing policymaking and targeting risk mitigation strategies. By highlighting the interrelation of hazard and social vulnerability, this research aligns with broader goals of enhancing local resilience and safety in the face of natural hazards, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster risk reduction efforts.
Significance Statement
This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of death by lightning at the municipality level in Mexico, considering the intricate interplay between hazard and social vulnerability. By analyzing both the physical hazard of lightning and the social vulnerability of exposed populations, the study provides a map estimating the risk level for each municipality. The risk map, capturing the interrelation of hazard and vulnerability, provides a powerful tool for policymakers and emergency responders. With 82.1% of lightning fatalities concentrated in municipalities with “high” and “very high” risk, this work underscores the need for comprehensive risk assessment strategies. This research contributes knowledge for informed decision-making, targeted interventions, and the ongoing pursuit of enhancing community resilience to lightning-related hazards.
