International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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18 pages, 7539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Inundation under Different Rainstorm Scenarios in Lin’an City, China

by Yan Chen, Hao Hou, Yao Li, Luoyang Wang, Jinjin Fan, Ben Wang and Tangao Hu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127210 - 12 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Under the circumstances of global warming and rapid urbanization, damage caused by urban inundation are becoming increasingly severe, attracting the attention of both researchers and governors. The accurate simulation of urban inundation is essential for the prevention of inundation hazards. In this study, [...] Read more.

Under the circumstances of global warming and rapid urbanization, damage caused by urban inundation are becoming increasingly severe, attracting the attention of both researchers and governors. The accurate simulation of urban inundation is essential for the prevention of inundation hazards. In this study, a 1D pipe network and a 2D urban inundation coupling model constructed by InfoWorks ICM was used to simulate the inundation conditions in the typical urbanized area in the north of Lin’an. Two historical rainfall events in 2020 were utilized to verify the modeling results. The spatial–temporal variation and the causes of urban inundation under different designed rainfalls were studied. The results were as follows: (1) The constructed model had a good simulation accuracy, the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient was higher than 0.82, R² was higher than 0.87, and the relative error was ±20%. (2) The simulation results of different designed rainfall scenarios indicated that the maximum inundation depth and inundation extent increased with the increase in the return period, rainfall peak position coefficient, and rainfall duration. According to the analysis results, the urban inundation in Lin’an is mainly affected by topography, drainage network (spatial distribution and pipe diameter), and rainfall patterns. The results are supposed to provide technical support and a decision-making reference for the urban management department of Lin’an to design inundation prevention measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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13 pages, 1357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Sustainability Goals on Productivity Growth: The Moderating Role of Global Warming

by Domicián Máté, Adam Novotny and Daniel Francois Meyer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11034; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111034 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3112

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to gain novel insights into the complex relationships among Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in shaping productivity (GDP/capita) growth. Using dynamic panel regressions on data collected in 138 countries between 2000 and 2017, we found that rising temperatures [...] Read more.

The objective of this paper was to gain novel insights into the complex relationships among Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in shaping productivity (GDP/capita) growth. Using dynamic panel regressions on data collected in 138 countries between 2000 and 2017, we found that rising temperatures negatively affect growth and mitigate the impact of other SDGs on growth. We also found that CO₂ emissions have a U-shaped relationship with growth; life expectancy negatively influences growth (positively moderated by rising temperatures), and food security positively impacts growth (negatively moderated by rising temperatures). This study highlights the difficulty of simultaneously implementing SDGs and elucidates novel research perspectives and policies to decrease the negative impacts of climate change on socio-economic and environmental well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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15 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological and Situational Variables Associated with Objective Knowledge on Water-Related Issues in a Northern Spanish City

by Elena Andrade, Gloria Seoane, Sergio Vila-Tojo, Cristina Gómez-Román and Jose-Manuel Sabucedo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063213 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2790

Abstract

This study brings together the level of objective knowledge on water-related issues and other variables of psychological and situational nature. A random sample of 459 participants was employed, selected proportionally based on sex and age. In this sample, knowledge on the water-related issues [...] Read more.

This study brings together the level of objective knowledge on water-related issues and other variables of psychological and situational nature. A random sample of 459 participants was employed, selected proportionally based on sex and age. In this sample, knowledge on the water-related issues tended to be low, particularly related to the direct source of water in the household, the type of services involved in the management, and consumption itself. In order to understand both the relationship with knowledge on water and the relative importance of all the other factors, a regression model was formulated. The highest standardised effect was for sex, followed by occupation, political leaning, and water-related emotions. The best level of knowledge was attained if the residents were male, if they were actively employed or unemployed, if their political leaning was towards the left, and if they demonstrated greater emotional involvement with the water use. Consequently, the design of programmes would need to consider that the information flow must be greater for citizens as a whole, particularly for certain groups such as women and students. It should contribute to the realistic perception of water as a problem and to seek emotional involvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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16 pages, 3957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Availability–Demand Balance under Climate Change Scenarios in an Overpopulated Region of Mexico

by Jessica Bravo-Cadena, Numa P. Pavón, Patricia Balvanera, Gerardo Sánchez-Rojas and Ramón Razo-Zarate

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041846 - 14 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3129

Abstract

Climate change scenarios show that water availability could be decreasing in the near future, adding to the increasing problem of the growing water demands in socioeconomic sectors. The aim of this work was to generate a geographically explicit water balance concerning availability vs. [...] Read more.

Climate change scenarios show that water availability could be decreasing in the near future, adding to the increasing problem of the growing water demands in socioeconomic sectors. The aim of this work was to generate a geographically explicit water balance concerning availability vs. demand in an overpopulated region of Mexico. Water balance and water deficit models were made for three periods of time: 1970–2000, and two future periods of time (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). Three global climate models were used in addition to two different climate scenarios from each (Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) RCP 4.6 and RCP 8.5). Water demand for socioeconomic sectors was calculated through the water footprint. Water availability was 197,644.58 hm³/year, while that the water demand was 59,187 hm³/year. The socioeconomic sectors with the highest demand were domestic services (48%), agriculture (27%), livestock agriculture (20%), and timber production (5%). The highest water availability areas were not the same as those with the highest demand and vice versa. However, 39% of municipalities had a higher water demand than its availability. A significant reduction in water availability was identified, considering an interval of −15% to 40%. This variation depends on climate models, scenarios, and period of time. Areas with overpopulated cities in the region would have higher pressure on water availability. These results could be used in the implementation of public policies by focusing on adaptation strategies to reduce water deficit in the immediate future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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24 pages, 11852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatial-Temporal Variation Characteristics of Natural Vegetation Drought in the Yangtze River Source Region, China

by Jun Yin, Zhe Yuan and Ting Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041613 - 8 Feb 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2614

Abstract

In the context of climate change, ecosystem in Yangtze River Source Region (YRSR) is under threat from severe droughts. This study introduced a new natural vegetation drought index, standardized supply-demand water index (SSDI), and identified natural vegetation drought events and parameters (e.g., duration, [...] Read more.

In the context of climate change, ecosystem in Yangtze River Source Region (YRSR) is under threat from severe droughts. This study introduced a new natural vegetation drought index, standardized supply-demand water index (SSDI), and identified natural vegetation drought events and parameters (e.g., duration, severity, peak, and coverage area) based on run theory. Then the drought-prone regions were investigated via 2-dimensional joint copula. The results indicate that (1) compared with traditional meteorological drought index, the SSDI is reliable and can reflect the comprehensive characteristics of the ecological drought information more easily and effectively; (2) the YRSR had witnessed the most severe drought episodes in the periods of late-1970s, mid-1980s, and mid-1990s, but the SSDI showed a wetting trend since the mid-2000s. Additionally, droughts in the Southern YRSR were relatively more severe with longer drought duration; (3) in most areas of Togton River Basin and Dam River Basin, the severe ecological drought events occurred more frequently; (4) drought duration and severity in the YRSR were more susceptible to temperature when the temperature rise was above 1.0 °C. The average drought duration and severity increased by 20.7% and 32.6% with a temperature rise of 1 °C. Investigating and evaluating drought characteristics, causes, and drought index effectiveness provide essential information for balanced water resource allocation, utilization, and drought prevention. Understanding these spatial-temporal characteristics of drought and return period was useful for drought risk assessment and sustainable development of water resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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Review

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14 pages, 12563 KiB

Open AccessReview

Water–Food Nexus Assessment in Agriculture: A Systematic Review

by Evelyn Corona-López, Alma D. Román-Gutiérrez, Elena M. Otazo-Sánchez, Fabiola A. Guzmán-Ortiz and Otilio A. Acevedo-Sandoval

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094983 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5754

Abstract

The Water–Food Nexus (WF) has been proposed to reach equitable, balanced, and sustainable access to water and food resources in the face of the growing population demand. Therefore, developing models to assess them has become more relevant. This work systematically reviews the literature [...] Read more.

The Water–Food Nexus (WF) has been proposed to reach equitable, balanced, and sustainable access to water and food resources in the face of the growing population demand. Therefore, developing models to assess them has become more relevant. This work systematically reviews the literature on the tools used to evaluate water and food resources between 2002 and 2020. Furthermore, it reports a critical analysis of the software used to assess the WF Nexus quantitatively. The models analyzed were Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Common Agricultural Policy Regional Impact (CAPRI), Global Food and Water System (GFWS), Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), Water Evaluation And Planning system (WEAP), and Soil Water Atmosphere Plant (SWAP). We deduced that the following are necessary in evaluating the WF Nexus: (1) the capacity to generate future scenarios, (2) a global application, and (3) the application in case studies. The present paper is the first review to provide an overview of the software applied to evaluate WF Nexus, including the advantages and disadvantages of the tools found. They can help build sustainability criteria when designing policies that reduce water and food security risks and promote efficient water and food use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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10 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessReview

Environment Changes, Aflatoxins, and Health Issues, a Review

by Rafael Valencia-Quintana, Mirta Milić, Daniela Jakšić, Maja Šegvić Klarić, María Guadalupe Tenorio-Arvide, Guillermo Alejandro Pérez-Flores, Stefano Bonassi and Juana Sánchez-Alarcón

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217850 - 27 Oct 2020

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 9098

Abstract

Crops contaminated by aflatoxins (AFs), the toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins produced namely by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, have severe impacts on human health. Changes in temperature and water availability related to actual climate changes (increased temperature, heavy rainfalls, and droughts) are [...] Read more.

Crops contaminated by aflatoxins (AFs), the toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins produced namely by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, have severe impacts on human health. Changes in temperature and water availability related to actual climate changes (increased temperature, heavy rainfalls, and droughts) are modulating factors of mould growth and production of mycotoxins. To protect human and animal health from the harmful effects caused by AFs, the development of a safe and effective multifaceted approach in combating food and feed contamination with AFs is necessary. This review aims to collect and analyze the available information regarding AF presence in food and feed to reinforce AF management and to prevent health issues related to the AF exposure in the light of actual climate changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

13 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Fluxes and Stocks by Mexican Tropical Forested Wetland Soils: A Critical Review of Its Role for Climate Change Mitigation

by Sergio Zamora, Luis Carlos Sandoval-Herazo, Gastón Ballut-Dajud, Oscar Andrés Del Ángel-Coronel, Erick Arturo Betanzo-Torres and José Luis Marín-Muñiz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207372 - 9 Oct 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4180

Abstract

Wetland soils are important stores of soil carbon (C) in the biosphere, and play an important role in global carbon cycles in the response strategy to climate change. However, there areknowledge gaps in our understanding of the quantity and distribution in tropical regions. [...] Read more.

Wetland soils are important stores of soil carbon (C) in the biosphere, and play an important role in global carbon cycles in the response strategy to climate change. However, there areknowledge gaps in our understanding of the quantity and distribution in tropical regions. Specifically, Mexican wetlands have not been considered in global carbon budgets or carbon balances for a number of reasons, such as: (1) the lack of data, (2) Spanish publications have not been selected, or (3) because such balances are mainly made in the English language. This study analyzes the literature regarding carbon stocks, sequestration and fluxes in Mexican forested wetlands (Forest-W). Soil carbon stocks of 8, 24.5 and 40.1 kg cm⁻² were detected for flooded palms, mangroves, and freshwater or swamps (FW) wetland soils, respectively, indicating that FW soils are the Forest-W with more potential for carbon sinks (p = 0.023), compared to mangroves and flooded palm soils. While these assessments of carbon sequestration were ranged from 36 to 920 g-C m⁻² year⁻¹, C emitted as methane was also tabulated (0.6–196 g-C m⁻² year⁻¹). Subtracting the C emitted of the C sequestered, 318.2 g-C m⁻² year⁻¹ were obtained. Such data revealed that Forest-W function is mainly as carbon sink, and not C source. This review can help to inform practitioners in future decisions regarding sustainable projects, restoration, conservation or creation of wetlands. Finally, it is concluded that Forest-W could be key ecosystems in strategies addressing the mitigation of climate change through carbon storage. However, new studies in this research line and public policies that protect these essential carbon sinks are necessary in order to, hopefully, elaborate global models to make more accurate predictions about future climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Warming & Water)

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