Advancing Agroecology for Sustainable Water Management: A Comprehensive Review and Future Directions in North African Countries

Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: March 7, 2025

Language: Английский

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Skills of Statistical Learning Algorithms in Thermal Stress Assessment Compared with the Expert Judgement Inherent to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

Published: April 26, 2024

The objective of this paper was to verify the applicability statistical learning (SL) compared human reasoning with respect Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), a complex tool for assessment outdoor thermal stress. UTCI is an equivalent temperature index based on 48-dimensional output advanced model thermoregulation formed by 12 variables at four consecutive 30-minute intervals, which were calculated 105642 conditions from extreme cold heat. Comparing performance SL algorithms results accomplished international endeavor involving more than 40 experts 23 countries, we found that random forests and k-nearest neighbors closely predicted values, but clustering applied after dimension reduction (principal component analysis t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) inadequate risk in relation stress categories. This indicates potential supportive role SL, as it will not (yet) fully replace bio-meteorological expert knowledge.

Language: Английский

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Physical Management Strategies for Enhancing Soil Resilience to Climate Change: Insights From Africa

European Journal of Soil Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 76(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT In Africa, where agriculture is the backbone of economy and sustains livelihoods, increasing threat climate change necessitates a shift towards strategies that improve soil resilience. This study explores range water conservation techniques, organic amendments agroforestry, focusing on their application to specific types such as Luvisols, Lixisols, Ferralsols, Nitisols, Vertisols, Cambisols Arenosols, tailored address Africa's diverse agroecological zones under changing climate. Furthermore, it elucidates role physical management in ensuring resilience change, supported by evidence from long‐term studies. Our review demonstrates these are essential for improving structure, moisture retention, reducing erosion enhancing matter. These improvements contribute more resilient agricultural systems maintain productivity despite fluctuating climatic conditions. However, implementation Africa faces challenges high variability, barriers adoption resource constraints. Despite obstacles, significant opportunities exist build through align with local conditions, innovative policies integration traditional knowledge scientific research. Therefore, we advocate an integrated approach harmonises expertise, advancements policy interventions transform croplands. By addressing both biophysical socio‐economic aspects management, this can foster resilient, productive sustainable capable food security amidst variability.

Language: Английский

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Exposed Population to Temperature Extremes in MENA in the Context of Paris Climate Agreement Temperature Goals

International Journal of Climatology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

ABSTRACT This study aims to project extreme temperatures and the population exposed them in MENA region for two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1‐1.9 1‐2.6), representative Paris climate agreement goals of 1.5°C 2.0°C temperature rise limits, respectively, future periods, near (2020–2059) far (2060–2099). The daily maximum ( T max ) minimum min global models (GCMs) coupled model intercomparison phase 6 (CMIP6) were used estimate eight indices, while distribution historical periods was assess changes extremes. Eastern regions faced highest increase warm spells, up 100 days more SSP1‐2.6, cold spells decreased most Egypt Sudan by 24 same scenario. southern summer days, with exposure 25 million person‐day 2099. extremes would mainly affect populations Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Qatar. For a 2.0°C, percentage expressed duration will between 2.7% 18.5% 2059 8.9% 77.8% 2099, indicating significant hot only 0.5°C rising temperature. However, be remarkable

Language: Английский

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Trends and Impacts of Climate-induced Extreme Weather Events in South Africa (1920-2023)

Environmental Development, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 101183 - 101183

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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A measurement-based framework integrating machine learning and morphological dynamics for outdoor thermal regulation

International Journal of Biometeorology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 21, 2025

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the interplay between machine learning (ML) models, morphological features, and outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) across three key indices: Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), Predicted Mean Vote (PMV). Based on field measurement for 173 urban canyons, proper dataset summer condition was provided. Concurrently, six distinct ML models were evaluated optimized using Bayesian optimization (BO) technique, considering performance indicators like weighted accuracy, F1-Score, precision, recall. Notable trends emerged, with CatBoost Classifier demonstrating superior in UTCI prediction, Random Forest classifier excelling PET estimation, XGBoost achieving optimal PMV prediction. Furthermore, delved influence of features OTC, prioritizing factors SHAP values. Results consistently identified 90-degree orientation, street width, 180-degree orientation as pivotal influencing varying degrees sensitivity different classifications stress. Analysis binary values unveiled intricate relationships OTC indices, emphasizing critical regulating environments scenarios. Surprisingly, width emerged foremost influential factor within index, challenging established highlighting complexity modeling. Additionally, current research delineates multifaceted impact microclimate dynamics, enriching our understanding dynamics its role mitigating stress environments.

Language: Английский

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Application of Statistical Learning Algorithms in Thermal Stress Assessment in Comparison with the Expert Judgment Inherent to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

Atmosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(6), P. 703 - 703

Published: June 12, 2024

This study concerns the application of statistical learning (SL) in thermal stress assessment compared to results accomplished by an international expert group when developing Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The performance diverse SL algorithms predicting UTCI equivalent temperatures and was assessed root mean squared errors (RMSE) Cohen’s kappa. A total 48 predictors formed 12 variables at four consecutive 30 min intervals were obtained as output advanced human thermoregulation model, calculated for 105,642 conditions from extreme cold heat. Random forests k-nearest neighbors closely predicted with RMSE about 3 °C. However, clustering applied after dimension reduction (principal component analysis t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) inadequate assessment, showing low fair agreement categories (Cohen’s kappa < 0.4). findings this will inform purposeful where they support biometeorological expert.

Language: Английский

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Global Trends in Human Thermal Stress: A Spatiotemporal Analysis from 1940 to 2020

Earth Systems and Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 6, 2024

Language: Английский

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Building high-resolution projections of temperature potential changes using statistical downscaling for the future period 2026-2100 in the Highland region of Yemen – A supportive approach for empowering environmental planning and decision-making

Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 100490 - 100490

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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