Report on Climate Change and Land
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Report of the United Nations Environment Programme to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at Its Eighth Session*
22 October 2007 ENGLISH ONLY UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES Eighth session Madrid, 3–14 September 2007 Report of the United Nations Environment Programme to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at its eighth session* I. Introduction 1. This report describes major activities of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in support of the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) for submission to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention at its eighth session. The report describes key UNEP activities and issues during the reporting period in areas relevant to the Convention. 2. UNEP advocates the view that decisions can and should be made not to change the desert but to live with it and preserve its resources for the future. The active participation of community groups in this task should include their taking charge of their own development, planning for risks and adapting to changing conditions while preserving their deep connections to these remarkable landscapes. The challenge remains to harness not only local but also global policy mechanisms and market incentives to develop a viable future for deserts through the achievement of both environmental conservation and economic development. The degradation of drylands is a growing problem that needs imaginative, collaborative and multi-sectoral action, since it is both a result of and a contributor to climate change, as well as a cause and consequence of poverty. II. World Environment Day 3. World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. -
Farmland Investments and Water Rights: the Legal Regimes at Stake
Farmland Investments and Water Rights: The legal regimes at stake Makane Moïse Mbengue Susanna Waltman May 2015 www.iisd.org/gsi www.iisd.org © 2015 The International Institute for Sustainable Development Published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development. International Institute for Sustainable Development The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change and energy, and management of natural and social capital, as well as the enabling role of communication technologies in these areas. We report on international negotiations and disseminate knowledge gained through collaborative projects, resulting in more rigorous research, capacity building in developing countries, better networks spanning the North and the South, and better global connections among researchers, practitioners, citizens and policy-makers. IISD’s vision is better living for all—sustainably; its mission is to champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably. IISD is registered as a charitable organization in Canada and has 501(c)(3) status in the United States. IISD receives core operating support from the Government of Canada, provided through the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from the Province of Manitoba. The Institute receives project funding from numerous governments inside and outside Canada, United Nations agencies, -
Impacts of Technology on U.S. Cropland and Rangeland Productivity Advisory Panel
l-'" of nc/:\!IOIOO _.. _ ... u"' "'"'" ... _ -'-- Impacts of Technology on U.S. Cropland w, in'... ' .....7 and Rangeland Productivity August 1982 NTIS order #PB83-125013 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 82-600596 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 Foreword This Nation’s impressive agricultural success is the product of many factors: abundant resources of land and water, a favorable climate, and a history of resource- ful farmers and technological innovation, We meet not only our own needs but supply a substantial portion of the agricultural products used elsewhere in the world. As demand increases, so must agricultural productivity, Part of the necessary growth may come from farming additional acreage. But most of the increase will depend on intensifying production with improved agricultural technologies. The question is, however, whether farmland and rangeland resources can sustain such inten- sive use. Land is a renewable resource, though one that is highly susceptible to degrada- tion by erosion, salinization, compaction, ground water depletion, and other proc- esses. When such processes are not adequately managed, land productivity can be mined like a nonrenewable resource. But this need not occur. For most agricul- tural land, various conservation options are available, Traditionally, however, farm- ers and ranchers have viewed many of the conservation technologies as uneconom- ical. Must conservation and production always be opposed, or can technology be used to help meet both goals? This report describes the major processes degrading land productivity, assesses whether productivity is sustainable using current agricultural technologies, reviews a range of new technologies with potentials to maintain productivity and profitability simultaneously, and presents a series of options for congressional consideration. -
Third African Internet Governance Forum 10
Third African Internet Governance Forum 10 - 12 July 2014 Abuja, Nigeria Draft report I. Introduction 1. The third African Internet Governance Forum was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 10 to 12 July 2014. The theme of the meeting was “Connecting Africa for enhanced multi- stakeholder Internet governance”. 2. The Federal Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, through the Nigerian Internet Registry Authority and the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum, organized the meeting with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). They received support from the following entities: • Nigerian Communications Commission • National Information Technology Development Agency • African Network Information Centre • Organisation internationale de la Francophonie • Winrock Nigeria Limited • Google • UniForum SA • Association for Progressive Communications • Internet Society • Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers • International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 3. The Forum intends to serve as platform for an inclusive multilateral, multi-stakeholder and multilingual discussion on general issues pertinent to the Internet in Africa, with a particular focus on issued related to Internet governance. 4. The programme of the 2014 Forum consisted of the following: • Workshops before the Forum on 10 July organized by: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers; International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions; Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie; and the Public Information and Knowledge -
Biodiversity in Drylands: Challenges And
1 The Global Drylands Partnership CIDA UNSO UNDP/GEF IIED IUCN WWF NEF BIODIVERSITY IN DRYLANDS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Written by Edouard G. Bonkoungou (IUCN) Edited by Maryam-Naimir-Fuller (UNDP/GEF) 2 Tables of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................... 3 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 4 2. DEFINITION AND EXTENT OF DRYLANDS ........................................................................................... 4 3. DRYLAND BIODIVERSITY STATUS AND TRENDS .................................................................................. 5 3.1- Driving Forces of Biodiversification in Drylands........................................................................................ 5 3.2- Status of Dryland Biodiversity..................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 - Special Features of Dryland Biodiversity ................................................................................................... 7 3.4 - Threats to Dryland Ecosystems and Species Diversity……………………………………………………12 4. BIODIVERSITY, DESERTIFICATION AND CLIMATE INTERACTIONS IN DRYLANDS.................... 14 5 . CONSERVATION,SUSTAINABLE USE OF DRYLAND BIODIVERSITY - A CALL FOR ACTION.... 15 5.1- Lessons Learnt From -
Climate Change and Water Management in South Florida
Interdepartmental Climate Change Group District Leadership Team Subteam: Kenneth Ammon Deena Reppen Sharon Trost Interdepartmental Climate Change Group Members: Wossenu Abtew Chandra Pathak Restoration Sciences SCADA & Hydrological Data Management Matahel Ansar Christopher Pettit Operations & Maintenance Office of Counsel Jenifer Barnes Barbara Powell Hydrologic & Environmental Systems Water Supply Modeling Dean Powell Luis Cadavid Water Supply Hydrologic & Environmental Systems Angela Prymas Modeling Regulation James Carnes Garth Redfield Intergovernmental Programs Restoration Sciences Tibebe Dessalegne-Agaze Keith Rizzardi BEM Systems Inc. (contractor) Office of Counsel Cynthia Gefvert Winifred Said Water Supply Hydrologic & Environmental Systems Lawrence Gerry Modeling Everglades Restoration Natalie Schneider Linda Hoppes Intergovernmental Programs Water Supply Bruce Sharfstein Michelle Irizarry-Ortiz Restoration Sciences Hydrologic & Environmental Systems Modeling Kim Shugar Intergovernmental Programs Jeremy McBryan Restoration Sciences Fred Sklar Restoration Sciences Damon Meiers Intergovernmental Programs Paul Trimble Hydrologic & Environmental Systems John Morgan Modeling Intergovernmental Programs Bob Verrastro John Mulliken Intergovernmental Programs Water Supply Patti Nicholas Dewey Worth Public Information Everglades Restoration Jayantha Obeysekera Nathan Yates Hydrologic & Environmental Systems Restoration Sciences Modeling i Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................ -
UNU-INRA Sparkle Enhancing Capacities For
UNU-INRA Sparkle Enhancing Capacities for Volume 6, Issue 3 Enhancing Capacity for Managing Africa’s Natural Resources Adopt Research Knowledge for Sustainable Development ______________ UNU-INRA Calls for the Adoption of Research Knowledge for Sustainable Development ____________ UNU-INRA strengthens key Participants at the lecture. stakeholder relationships Newly appointed Director of the Further, Dr. Denton underscored the need for strong United Nations University’s partnerships in complementing individual efforts for ___________ Institute for Natural Resources in improved outcomes. “Our task is huge and we cannot Africa - UNU-INRA, Dr. Fatima afford to be insular. We have to elevate science to News Feature Denton has emphasized the economic literacy and anchor our work to respond to on Ghana important role of research data in problems that our governments, farmers, pastoralists Climate addressing Africa’s natural and vulnerable communities are wrestling with,” she Innovation resource management issues and stressed. Centre broader development challenges. (GCIC) She called on governments to adopt She was speaking at a farewell lecture organized in research-based knowledge for honour of Out-going Director of UNU-INRA, Dr. ____________ informed decision making and Elias T. Ayuk. Her remarks followed a presentation sustainable development. by Dr. Elias T. Ayuk, on the topic “Mineral New Staff Resources Governance for Sustainable Development: “We have to start locally and enable A New Framework”. The presentation proposed the our research institutions to cater for adoption of the new robust mineral resources ____________ our knowledge needs and align governance framework, the Sustainable Development these with our development goals,” Licence to Operate (SDLO) to address mining sector she said, adding that “we have to challenges and promote sustainable development. -
A Single Tree Model to Consistently Simulate Cooling, Shading, and Pollution Uptake of Urban Trees
International Journal of Biometeorology https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-020-02030-8 ORIGINAL PAPER A single tree model to consistently simulate cooling, shading, and pollution uptake of urban trees Rocco Pace1,2 & Francesco De Fino3 & Mohammad A. Rahman4 & Stephan Pauleit4 & David J. Nowak5 & Rüdiger Grote1 Received: 3 April 2020 /Revised: 24 September 2020 /Accepted: 6 October 2020 # The Author(s) 2020 Abstract Extremely high temperatures, which negatively affect the human health and plant performances, are becoming more frequent in cities. Urban green infrastructure, particularly trees, can mitigate this issue through cooling due to transpiration, and shading. Temperature regulation by trees depends on feedbacks among the climate, water supply, and plant physiology. However, in contrast to forest or general ecosystem models, most current urban tree models still lack basic processes, such as the consideration of soil water limitation, or have not been evaluated sufficiently. In this study, we present a new model that couples the soil water balance with energy calculations to assess the physiological responses and microclimate effects of a common urban street-tree species (Tilia cordata Mill.) on temperature regulation. We contrast two urban sites in Munich, Germany, with different degree of surface sealing at which microclimate and transpiration had been measured. Simulations indicate that differences in wind speed and soil water supply can be made responsible for the differences in transpiration. Nevertheless, the calculation of the overall energy balance showed that the shading effect, which depends on the leaf area index and canopy cover, contributes the most to the temperature reduction at midday. Finally, we demonstrate that the consideration of soil water availability for stomatal conductance has realistic impacts on the calculation of gaseous pollutant uptake (e.g., ozone). -
CLIMATE RISK COUNTRY PROFILE: GHANA Ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Profile Is Part of a Series of Climate Risk Country Profiles Developed by the World Bank Group (WBG)
CLIMATE RISK COUNTRY PROFILE GHANA COPYRIGHT © 2021 by the World Bank Group 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of the World Bank Group (WBG) and with external contributions. The opinions, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or the official policy or position of the WBG, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments it represents. The WBG does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work and do not make any warranty, express or implied, nor assume any liability or responsibility for any consequence of their use. This publication follows the WBG’s practice in references to member designations, borders, and maps. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work, or the use of the term “country” do not imply any judgment on the part of the WBG, its Boards, or the governments it represents, concerning the legal status of any territory or geographic area or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The mention of any specific companies or products of manufacturers does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the WBG in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because the WBG encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. -
The Impacts of Increasing Drought on Forest Dynamics, Structure, and Biodiversity in the United States
Global Change Biology (2016) 22, 2329–2352, doi: 10.1111/gcb.13160 SPECIAL FEATURE The impacts of increasing drought on forest dynamics, structure, and biodiversity in the United States JAMES S. CLARK1 , LOUIS IVERSON2 , CHRISTOPHER W. WOODALL3 ,CRAIGD.ALLEN4 , DAVID M. BELL5 , DON C. BRAGG6 , ANTHONY W. D’AMATO7 ,FRANKW.DAVIS8 , MICHELLE H. HERSH9 , INES IBANEZ10, STEPHEN T. JACKSON11, STEPHEN MATTHEWS12, NEIL PEDERSON13, MATTHEW PETERS14,MARKW.SCHWARTZ15, KRISTEN M. WARING16 andNIKLAUS E. ZIMMERMANN17 1Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA, 2Forest Service, Northern Research Station 359 Main Road, Delaware, OH 43015, USA, 3Forest Service 1992 Folwell Avenue,Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA, 4U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center Jemez Mountains Field Station, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA, 5Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA, 6Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Monticello, AR 71656, USA, 7Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 04E Aiken Center, 81 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT 05405, USA, 8Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA, 9Department of Biology, Sarah Lawrence College, New York, NY 10708, USA, 10School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, 2546 Dana Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, 11U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Climate Science Center and Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, 1064 E. Lowell -
Global Warming Impacts on Severe Drought Characteristics in Asia Monsoon Region
water Article Global Warming Impacts on Severe Drought Characteristics in Asia Monsoon Region Jeong-Bae Kim , Jae-Min So and Deg-Hyo Bae * Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul 05006, Korea; [email protected] (J.-B.K.); [email protected] (J.-M.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +82-2-3408-3814 Received: 2 April 2020; Accepted: 7 May 2020; Published: 12 May 2020 Abstract: Climate change influences the changes in drought features. This study assesses the changes in severe drought characteristics over the Asian monsoon region responding to 1.5 and 2.0 ◦C of global average temperature increases above preindustrial levels. Based on the selected 5 global climate models, the drought characteristics are analyzed according to different regional climate zones using the standardized precipitation index. Under global warming, the severity and frequency of severe drought (i.e., SPI < 1.5) are modulated by the changes in seasonal and regional precipitation − features regardless of the region. Due to the different regional change trends, global warming is likely to aggravate (or alleviate) severe drought in warm (or dry/cold) climate zones. For seasonal analysis, the ranges of changes in drought severity (and frequency) are 11.5%~6.1% (and 57.1%~23.2%) − − under 1.5 and 2.0 ◦C of warming compared to reference condition. The significant decreases in drought frequency are indicated in all climate zones due to the increasing precipitation tendency. In general, drought features under global warming closely tend to be affected by the changes in the amount of precipitation as well as the changes in dry spell length. -
Slow-Onset Processes and Resulting Loss and Damage
Publication Series ADDRESSING LOSS AND DAMAGE FROM SLOW-ONSET PROCESSES Slow-onset Processes and Resulting Loss and Damage – An introduction Table of contents L 4 22 ist of a bbre Summary of Loss and damage via tio key facts and due to slow-onset ns definitions processes AR4 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report 6 22 What is loss and damage? Introduction AR5 IPCC Fifth Assessment Report COP Conference of the Parties to the 23 United Nations Framework Convention on 9 What losses and damages IMPRINT Climate Change can result from slow-onset Slow-onset ENDA Environment Development Action Energy, processes? Authors Environment and Development Programme processes and their Laura Schäfer, Pia Jorks, Emmanuel Seck, Energy key characteristics 26 Oumou Koulibaly, Aliou Diouf ESL Extreme Sea Level What losses and damages Contributors GDP Gross Domestic Product 9 can result from sea level rise? Idy Niang, Bounama Dieye, Omar Sow, Vera GMSL Global mean sea level What is a slow-onset process? Künzel, Rixa Schwarz, Erin Roberts, Roxana 31 Baldrich, Nathalie Koffi Nguessan GMSLR Global mean sea level rise 10 IOM International Organization on Migration What are key characteristics Loss and damage Editing Adam Goulston – Scize Group LLC of slow-onset processes? in Senegal due to IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sea level rise Layout and graphics LECZ Low-elevation coastal zone 14 Karin Roth – Wissen in Worten OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs What are other relevant January 2021 terms for the terminology on 35 RCP Representative