Article
Environmental Studies
Nathan Morrow, Nancy B. Mock, Andrea Gatto, Julia LeMense, Margaret Hudson
Summary: This article analyzes a dataset of Global Environment Fund (GEF) programmatic documents and identifies the relationship between environmental protection projects and active conflicts. The study finds that 73% of districts with GEF land degradation projects in Africa were co-located with active conflict events. Natural Language Processing is used to identify text entities associated with conflict in a set of 1500 GEF evaluations. The analysis reveals that political crisis, poverty, and disaster are the most frequently extracted entities associated with conflict in environmental protection projects.
Article
Development Studies
Florian Krampe, Farah Hegazi, Stacy D. VanDeveer
Summary: This paper examines the mechanisms through which improved natural resource governance in post-conflict contexts can have positive effects on peace, including facilitating intergroup cooperation, introducing good governance norms to empower individuals and strengthen civil society, and providing public services to enhance community trust in the state.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paulo J. Murillo-Sandoval, Emma Gjerdseth, Camilo Correa-Ayram, David Wrathall, Jamon Van den Hoek, Liliana M. Davalos, Robert Kennedy
Summary: This study evaluates land cover changes associated with the Colombian conflict in the Andes-Amazon region between 1988 and 2019. The results show that during the post-conflict period, the conversion from forest to agriculture accelerated, especially in municipalities with lower population. Forest cover surrounding conflict events decreased significantly during and after the conflict, while agriculture expansion was most substantial in the post-conflict period, particularly in municipalities with lower population.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diane Z. Chase, Jose Lobo, Gary M. Feinman, David M. Carballo, Arlen F. Chase, Adrian S. Z. Chase, Scott R. Hutson, Alanna Ossa, Marcello Canuto, Travis W. Stanton, L. J. Gorenflo, Christopher A. Pool, Barbara Arroyo, Rodrigo Liendo Stuardo, Deborah L. Nichols
Summary: Urban adaptation to climate change is a global challenge. Efforts to leverage insights from the urban past have been hindered by disciplinary silos and misconceptions about prehistoric urban settlements, especially in prehispanic Mesoamerica. However, advances in archaeology have significantly enhanced our understanding of prehispanic urbanism in Mesoamerica, highlighting its resilience and adaptation to environmental change. This calls for a dialogue among urban archaeologists, sustainability scientists, and researchers interested in urban adaptation to climate change, aiming to shift the focus from failure and collapse to resilience and factors that fostered adaptation and sustainability.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Torhan, C. A. Grady, I Ajibade, E. K. Galappaththi, R. R. Hernandez, J. Musah-Surugu, A. M. Nunbogu, A. C. Segnon, Y. Shang, N. Ulibarri, D. Campbell, E. T. Joe, J. Penuelas, J. Sardans, M. A. R. Shah
Summary: Food-energy-water systems are vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change risks. Adaptations to these vulnerabilities are occurring globally, with a focus on food security. There are interconnected relationships between different variables characterizing these adaptations. However, there is a need to consider interconnectivity and adopt a nexus approach in future adaptations.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yasuko Kameyama, Keishi Ono
Summary: Despite the increasing awareness about climate change, discussions on climate security in Japan are scarce, focusing mainly on long-term irreversible planetary changes and short-term risks to individuals. Topics such as causes of conflict and violence, as well as impacts on military and defense organizations, remain largely unexplored in the Japanese discourse on climate change.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ayyoob Sharifi, Dahlia Simangan, Shinji Kaneko, Hassan Virji
Summary: Sustainability and peace have long been considered intrinsically interrelated, yet there is a lack of specific focus on the sustainability-peace nexus in academic and policy discourses. Systemic approaches and international scientific collaboration are essential for capturing the dynamic interactions between peace and sustainability and addressing issues at the intersection of the two fields.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Md Nadiruzzaman, Juergen Scheffran, Hosna J. Shewly, Stefanie Kley
Summary: Climate change adaptation has developed within the global policy framework, with various approaches and practices evolving over time. One recent approach is conflict-sensitive adaptation, which considers potential conflicts and peace-building aspects. Research shows that conflict-sensitive adaptation requires engagement with diverse stakeholders and a pre-testing of projects through a conflict lens, particularly in the global south.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruben Dahm, Karen Meijer, Ernst Kuneman, Louise van Schaik
Summary: This paper explores the operationalization of climate-related indicators in violent conflict research. The study analyzes 32 research articles published from 2004 to 2020 and categorizes climate indicators into five clusters. It finds a discrepancy between the representation of climate pathways and the selected climate indicators and emphasizes the need for careful consideration in selecting and operationalizing climate indicators.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ayyoob Sharifi, Dahlia Simangan, Shinji Kaneko
Summary: Research on the interactions between climate change and events that undermine negative peace has steadily increased over the past three decades, with a significant growth after the publication of the IPCC assessment report in 2007. The main thematic focus areas include war and violent conflict, political tensions, disasters, human displacements, and conflicts/cooperation related to water resources. It is noted that environmental security issues have gained more attention over time, while the focus has mainly been on war and violent conflicts, neglecting other related events.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dimitrios Kantemnidis, Iosif Botetzagias
Summary: This paper examines the different environmental security concepts, policies, and actions of actors involved in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Findings indicate a divergence between announced strategies and policies related to environmental and climate security and their actual results. Tailored environmental security policies and actions are needed to address security challenges associated with environmental issues and climate change.
Article
Agronomy
Kylie Tavares, Emilie Kirk, Sharon Motomura-Wages, Justin Calpito, Jon-Paul Bingham, Amjad A. Ahmad, Kevin Flanagan, Jensen Uyeda, Michael B. Kantar, Theodore J. K. Radovich
Summary: Turmeric and its constituent curcuminoid compounds have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. Recent studies have confirmed their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Our research in Hawaii suggests that turmeric yield is influenced by genotype and environmental factors, with suboptimal temperatures at high elevations impacting yield. However, high yielding turmeric varieties show adaptability across diverse environments, but further evaluations are needed in non-optimal environments and high pest pressure areas.
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Layal Liverpool
Summary: Although the polar region is demilitarized, the ongoing conflict is endangering important climate data collected at Ukraine's research station.
Review
Plant Sciences
Rafal M. Gutaker, Caspar C. C. Chater, Jemima Brinton, Elena Castillo-Lorenzo, Elinor Breman, Samuel Pironon
Summary: By domesticating edible wild plants and utilizing advances in genomics and gene editing technologies, we can increase the stability of our food systems against environmental variability and climate change. Neodomestication allows for the rapid generation of new crops by selecting candidates based on climatic parameters, thus increasing food security. Conservation and characterization of edible species play a key role in this process, and the utilization of genetic resources should be carried out ethically and with benefit-sharing in mind.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Quynh Nguyen
Summary: Research based on survey experiments with Syrian and Iraqi refugees reveals that natural disasters can lead to conflictive behavior among affected individuals. However, individuals tend to behave altruistically towards in-group members after experiencing drought.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Rulli Pratiwi Setiawan, Gita Ghimire, Shinji Kaneko
Summary: This study aims to compare the impacts of information provision on households' stated preferences for improved water supply systems in Surabaya, Indonesia, and Kathmandu, Nepal, and estimate the effects of information on willingness to pay.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Binaya Chalise, Shinji Kaneko, Duc Tran
Summary: This study examines the impact of auspicious beliefs related to lunar dates on childbirths and neonatal health outcomes in Nepal. The results show that there is a significant increase in the number of births and Caesarean deliveries on and before full moon days. Additionally, births occurring on or before full moon days are associated with poor neonatal health outcomes. However, the analysis suggests that low-risk mothers may have better health outcomes, while high-risk mothers may have worse health outcomes.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tamal Chowdhury, Hemal Chowdhury, Kazi Sifatul Islam, Ayyoob Sharifi, Richard Corkish, Sadiq M. Sait
Summary: Due to frequent natural disasters, energy systems need to be more resilient and affordable. Researchers conducted a study on the resilience benefits of a PV/battery system in a health care center in the Rohingya refugee camp and found that the system successfully handled power outages and reduced CO2 emissions effectively.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Melika Amirzadeh, Saeideh Sobhaninia, Stephen T. Buckman, Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: With the global prevalence of COVID-19, the concept of urban resilience against pandemics has gained significant attention. This study aims to identify the dimensions and principles of urban resilience by reviewing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings propose a conceptual framework and principles for urban resilience at different spatial levels, highlighting the importance of health requirements, environmental psychology, and general resilience principles.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Walter Leal, Aprajita Minhas, Birgit Schmook, Sofia Mardero, Ayyoob Sharifi, Shlomit Paz, Marina Kovaleva, Maria Cristina Albertini, Antonis Skouloudis
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to mobilize financial resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, leading to an increase in poverty and a decrease in funding for climate change research. Efforts are needed to maintain funding levels and address climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Walter Leal Filho, Gustavo J. Nagy, Andreia Faraoni Freitas Setti, Ayyoob Sharifi, Felix Kwabena Donkor, Karina Batista, Ilija Djekic
Summary: Land and soil are crucial in the climate system and are impacted by factors such as land use change and climate change. A review study analyzes how these factors negatively influence soil biodiversity and highlights the importance of well-managed soils and integrated agricultural production systems in increasing resilience to climate change. Effective water management and intersectoral approaches are also essential in mitigating the effects of climate change on soil functioning.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mahmoud Arvin, Parisa Beiki, Seyed Jafar Hejazi, Ayyoob Sharifi, Nasrin Atashafrooz
Summary: Natural hazards have a significant impact on livelihood and social life, causing disruptions in growth and development. Assessing vulnerability and resilience is crucial for sustainable urban and regional development, as well as enhancing city and regional resilience. This study aimed to measure the exposure to natural hazards and infrastructural resilience in Khuzestan province, Iran, using GIS data and multi-criteria decision-making techniques. The results revealed variations in hazard exposure and resilience across counties, with different counties facing different types of hazards and varying levels of infrastructural resilience.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
Yake Liu, Chui Ying Lee, Shinji Kaneko, Niraj Prakash Joshi
Summary: This paper examines the intergenerational effect of child marriage on education, showing that child marriage has a negative impact on the education of offspring, especially in marginal areas of Nepal. The study finds that the younger the age at which the mother got married, the more severe the overage phenomenon in their children.
THIRD WORLD QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Raphael Konde Kazungu, Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: Transboundary Trade Corridors (TTC) are crucial for achieving national, regional, and global development objectives, but the diverse contexts and multiple stakeholders involved in these projects increase the risks and uncertainties during implementation, posing challenges for decision-making. Inadequate evaluations of development projects have been identified as a contributing factor to unforeseen risks and the failure of transportation infrastructure projects, hindering sustainable development goals. The Great Equatorial Land Bridge, spanning five countries, faces uncertain risks that must be addressed for successful implementation. This study uses a Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework to identify and manage the economic, political, and geographic risks, providing valuable insights for policymakers, contractors, and stakeholders and informing actions towards the project's sustainable development.
Article
Urban Studies
Mehdi Alidadi, Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: Since the emergence of COVID-19, density has been a topic of significant attention in policy and scientific discussions. While density was initially blamed for accelerating the transmission of the virus in urban areas, studies have shown that the relationship between density and the spread of COVID-19 is complex and influenced by various factors such as scale, context, analysis methods, and other built environment factors. Therefore, caution should be exercised when making assertions about the effects of density on COVID-19 transmission, and comprehensive analyses considering multiple complex factors are needed before drawing conclusions.
Article
History
Dahlia Simangan
Summary: This article revisits the case of Hiroshima's post-war reconstruction from the perspective of reflexive peacebuilding. By reviewing relevant policies and initiatives, the study reveals the interweaving and sometimes contesting peace narratives generated by agencies, temporalities, and spatialities in Hiroshima's post-war reconstruction. Hiroshima's experiences in responding to survivors' needs, accommodating future generations, and utilizing spaces for peace promotion provide insights into the blurred agency, uncertain times, and porous spaces of Anthropocene imaginaries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md. Nazmul Haque, Mahdi Mansur Mahi, Md. Shahriar Sharif, Rhyme Rubayet Rudra, Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: Assessing the effects of land use patterns on ecosystem services is important for spatial planning strategies. The study aims to evaluate the impact of changes in land use/land cover (LULC) on ecosystem services in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area. LULC data was analyzed, and it was found that there were significant changes in LULC between 1991 and 2021, resulting in a decline in ecosystem services. The study highlights the value of integrated land use planning in maintaining ecological sustainability and contributing to ecosystem resilience.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abbas Ziafati Bafarasat, Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: This scoping review examines the systematic measures required to achieve a healthy city, based on the World Health Organization's 11 characteristics of a healthy city. The measures contributing to these characteristics are analyzed and classified into 29 themes. The review provides examples from different cities to illustrate the implementation of these measures. The findings suggest that a healthy city is a system comprised of various healthy sectors, and future research should focus on meeting basic needs for all residents and ensuring accessible public health and healthcare services.
JOURNAL OF URBAN HEALTH-BULLETIN OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
John Lee Candelaria, Ayyoob Sharifi, Dahlia Simangan, Rebeca Maria Ramos Tabosa
Summary: This study evaluates whether major global sustainability assessment frameworks consider positive peace or the elimination of structural violence in societies transitioning from conflict. The results show that while most frameworks meet the BellagioSTAMP criteria, some frameworks inadequately address positive peace. The study's findings can inform the development of assessment frameworks that better integrate peace and sustainability components.
WORLD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: Resilience is a concept that is widely debated and recently, there has been a growing interest in Social-Ecological-Technological Systems (SETS) resilience. However, there is still a lack of clarity on its meaning and principles. This study reviews literature in the context of urban systems and provides a detailed definition and discussion on SETS resilience. It also highlights the benefits of implementing the SETS approach.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)