International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Beyond Overfishing: Environmental Footprints of Modern Fishing Practices and their Implications for Ocean Health

Zubair A A — 2026-02-05

The sustainability of wild captured fisheries has historically been examined through the concept of overfishing. But this limited approach is becoming inadequate. This narrative systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature and institutional reports published between 2002 and 2025, with particular emphasis on studies from 2010–2025, addressing the environmental footprints of marine capture fisheries. The study critically synthesizes the global literature to bring attention to effects that stretch far beyond population trends. It is not limited to carbon and energy footprints, but also extends to the local and global impacts in terms of marine habitat loss, biotic stress on ecosystems and effects at higher levels of biodiversity and trophic structure. There is also a focus on the fishing fleets' high carbon dioxide emissions, which are one of the key but overlooked sources of greenhouse gases. The paper also considers the severe and enduring impact of mobile bottom-contacting gears on benthic ecosystems. Habitat modification, sediment erosion and removal of biogenic structures appear as continuous problems. Simultaneously, the widespread issue of by-catch is considered, and its impact on a wide variety of non-target species including endangered and protected ones. In addition to direct impacts, the review deals with cumulative and indirect pressures related to fishing. These include marine plastic pollution from abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). The interaction of fisheries with other anthropogenic pressures, particularly climate change, is also investigated, uncovering multiple and complex feedback loops that compound risk to species. Methodological solutions for measuring environmental footprints are reviewed, with particular focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The most recent methodological innovations are reviewed and compared with long-standing challenges, concerning data availability, system boundaries, spatial resolution and beyond. Nevertheless, LCA is an indispensable method to make such comparative environmental analyses. The synthesis illustrates a large variability within and between gear types, regions, fisheries. This diversity highlights the shortcoming of one-size-fits-all approaches to management. Context-specific strategies are therefore essential. The review concludes that a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management is imperative. This approach will need to build on a sound knowledge of environmental footprints but also conform to global sustainability targets, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13 and 14. Aligning these requires a shift from single-species evaluations to holistic methods that fully consider the collective effects of fishing on ocean systems.

Seed Germination of Tropical Trees under Polyethene Glycol-induced Osmotic Stress for Early Screening of Drought Tolerance

Mohuya Pal — 2026-01-31

Drought-induced water stress is a major environmental constraint affecting seed germination and early seedling establishment in forest ecosystems. The present study evaluated the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000)-induced osmotic stress on seed germination of seven tropical tree species—Hardwikia binnata, Butea monosperma, Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Holoptelea integrifolia, Diospyros melanoxylon, and Pithecellobium dulce. Seeds were germinated under three water stress treatments: control (0 MPa), PEG-200 (0.5 MPa) and PEG-300 (1.0 MPa), corresponding to increasing osmotic stress levels. The experiment was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design with four replications, and germination was recorded at 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days. Under control conditions, Hardwikia binnata exhibited the highest germination (90%), followed by Butea monosperma (60.24%), Diospyros melanoxylon (60.24%), and Acacia catechu (30%). PEG-200 caused a marked decline in germination, although Hardwikia binnata and Butea monosperma retained relatively higher tolerance. PEG-300 induced severe osmotic stress, resulting in complete inhibition of germination in Pithecellobium dulce. Significant species and treatment interactions indicated differential sensitivity to water stress among species. The findings demonstrate that water availability is a critical determinant of seed germination in tropical forest tree species, with pronounced species-specific tolerance thresholds. The relatively higher tolerance of Hardwikia binnata and Butea monosperma under moderate stress suggests their potential suitability for afforestation and restoration programs in drought-prone regions. This study provides valuable insights into early-stage drought tolerance mechanisms, supporting the selection of climate-resilient tree species for sustainable forest management.

Effect of Weather Parameters on Incidence of Bark-eating Caterpillar and Bagworm Moth Infesting Citrus Plants

Yougendra Singh — 2026-02-02

Aims: To correlate population of bark-eating caterpillar and bagworm with the meteorological parameters, i.e., the maximum & minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and rainy days.

Study design: Four plants in each of the four orchard locations were chosen for the weekly recording of the insect pest population. Four directions of pest population were seen in each plant with an area of 0.5 square meters.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at College of Horticulture in Mandsaur, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.) from December 2022 to April 2023.

Methodology: The observations on population of caterpillars that consume bark was counted and averaged based on the quantity of holes that are actively growing in each selected plant. Citrus bagworm population was measured from a 0.5 square meter area, averaging four directions per plant. Basic correlations were calculated between the mean values of bark-eating caterpillars and bagworms on a periodic basis and several abiotic characteristics.

Results: Bark-eating caterpillar appearance started from 51^st SMW (1.70/plant) and the peak population (4.08/plant) was observed in 10^th SMW. The maximum temperature (0.340*) exhibited positively significant correlation with population of bark-eating caterpillar. First appearance of bagworm larval population was noted from 50^th SMW (1.00 case/plant) and the peak population was observed in 8^th SMW (3.62 case/plant). Relative humidity (0.354*) showed positively significant correlation with the bagworm population.

Conclusion: The maximum temperature (0.340*) and relative humidity (0.354*) showed positively significant correlation with the bark-eating caterpillar and bagworm infestation, respectively.

Impact of Climate Change on Vegetation in High Altitudes of North Western Himalaya: A Case Study of Pinus wallichiana from Pangi Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Om Prakash — 2026-02-03

Climate change is one of biggest challenge to the world in 21st century. Climate is changing from Last Glacier Maxima (LGM), but after industrialization the rate of climate change has rapidly increased. Increase in CO₂level from 280 PPm (1960) to 495 PPm (2019) and global average surface temperature from 0.6 to 0.9⁰ C (1.1 to 1.6° F) between 1906 and 2005, double increase in temperature for the last 50 years and the rise in global average surface temperature (1.5⁰C) have caused rapid increase in the rate of climate change. The sub-alpine and alpine regions are very sensitive, and are also experiencing even greater increase in temperature. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to assess the Pinus wallichiana population in Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya in relation to climate change. Circumference at Breast Height (CBH) class was taken as a criterion to assess the shift in Pinus wallichiana population along an altitudinal gradient. Shifting of vegetation was assessed on the basis of size class distribution of species in different size classes with respect to altitude. Survival rate and stress tolerance of seedlings and saplings in alpine region was assessed based on dry needles stage (%) and number of dead seedlings and saplings present in each quadrat. The study established a decrease in size class from temperate to sub – alpine region. Even, saplings and seedlings were recorded in the lower fringes of alpine region. The statistical analysis indicated that the seedlings of Pinus wallichiana showed maximum positive significant correlation with altitude (r= 0.321), indicating thereby, with increase in altitude the seedlings density also increased. Saplings of Pinus wallichiana also showed maximum positive significant correlation with altitude (r= 0.302), indicating thereby, with increase in altitude the saplings density also increased. Trees density in size class 100-150cm of Pinus wallichiana showed maximum negative significant correlation along an altitudinal gradient (r= -0.377), indicating thereby, with increase in altitude, the density of trees with diameter 100-150cm decreased. Seedlings of Pinus wallichiana showed maximum positive significant correlation with saplings (r= 0.962), indicating thereby, saplings density was dependent on seedlings density. The study also revealed that the survival rate decreased with the increasing altitude. The study clearly revealed the altitudinal shift of Pinus wallichiana in Pangi valley. This could be due to less snow fall, rainfall and increase in maximum and minimum temperature in Pangi valley, and can be related to the climate change. Regular monitoring of the temperate, sub – alpine and alpine vegetation in Pangi valley in relation to climate change is suggested to understand the vegetation dynamics and impact of climate change on vegetation and also on other natural resources.

Assessing the Vulnerability of Farming Systems to Climate Change in Banda District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Diksha Patel — 2026-02-03

The present study was undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banda to assess the climatic vulnerability of Farming Systems to Climate Change in Chaudhary dera village of Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced a network project titled National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) in the year 2011 to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture to climatic vulnerability and climate change by strategic research and technology demonstration. In the year 2021-22, under NICRA project, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banda was chosen to demonstrate the proven technologies of adapting crop and livestock farming systems to drought, which was one of the identified climatic vulnerability in the Banda District. Chaudhary Dera village of the district Banda was chosen under NICRA project. The Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) has three indicators approach to climate vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity), the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) was estimated using this approach. A total of 100 farmers were selected representing all the 4 farming system typologies (FST 1- Rainfed farming without animal, FST 2- Rainfed farming with animals, FST 3- Irrigated farming without animal and FST 4- Irrigated farming with animals) as per guidelines of NICRA project by using Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling method. The selected farmers of Chaudhery dera village were extremely susceptible to climate change and associated risk (CVI 0.70). Particularly, the vulnerability component indices revealed a high exposure (0.60) and sensitivity (0.52) of the farmers with the lowest adaptive capacity (0.42). The farming system wise results shows that FST-4 (Irrigated farming with animals) has lowest climatic vulnerability score (0.52) whereas FST-1 (Rainfed without animals) has highest climatic vulnerability score i.e. 0.83. Such findings indicate that climate smart adaptation strategies must be propagated at farm and regional levels by installing suitable, place-specific, and need based climate-adaptive technologies in four modules, which are the natural resource management, crop production, livestock, and institutional interventions.

Impact of Co-Contaminants (Microplastics and Others) on Heavy Metal/Metalloid Toxicity and Accumulation in Plants

Ajay Kumar — 2026-02-03

Ecosystem and environmental degradation have been escalated, resulting in significant contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metals, metalloids, and co-contaminants such as microplastics. This article examines the influence of co-contaminants, particularly microplastics, on the toxicity and accumulation of heavy metals and metalloids in plants. Heavy metal contamination, including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb), presents significant risks to plant development, agricultural productivity, and food safety. The presence of co-contaminants, such as microplastics, further complicates the problem by interacting with heavy metals, altering their behavior and enhancing their absorption by plants. The article analyzes current studies on the effects of microplastics, in conjunction with toxic metals, on plant health. Microplastics may facilitate the absorption of heavy metals by plant roots, modify soil properties, or enhance the bioavailability of specific metals, hence increasing their accessibility to plants. This combination often results in heightened toxicity, oxidative stress, and alterations in plant metabolism. This article examines how the interplay of microplastics and heavy metals might intensify detrimental effects on plants, leading to elevated metal accumulation in consumable plant tissues and heightened risks to human health. This study underscores the importance of including heavy metals and microplastics in environmental, forestry, and agricultural research by examining their synergistic effects. It promotes comprehensive research and the advancement of sustainable plantation, agroforestry and agriculture techniques to protect plants from the cumulative threats posed by these pollutants, ensuring safer and healthier food production for future generations.

Seven-Year Trends in Ambient Air Quality and Ozone Dynamics in Delhi: COVID-19 Lockdown Lessons and Future Pathways from GAINS/ECLIPSE Projections

Priya Dwivedi — 2026-02-03

Delhi air quality experienced a rare disruption during the COVID-19 lockdown, offering a natural experiment to study emission meteorology health linkages. Using data from three Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in Delhi (2017–2023), we assessed long-term variability in PM₂.₅, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃ before, during, and after the lockdown. Lockdown restrictions in 2020 led to sharp reductions in PM₂.₅ (up to −87%), NO₂ (up to −72%), and SO₂ (up to −47%), while ozone increased (up to +66%) due to reduced titration and enhanced photochemistry. A long-term trend analysis showed pollutant levels rebounded post-lockdown, with 2021–2023 concentrations nearing or exceeding pre-lockdown baselines. Meteorological normalization indicated that solar radiation and relative humidity modulated ozone formation, while particulate declines enhanced photochemical activity. Using exposure response functions, we estimated that short term lockdown reductions in PM₂.₅ and NO₂ potentially avoided 1,200–1,500 premature deaths in Delhi. However, these improvements were temporary, underscoring the importance of sustained emission-control strategies. The study highlights how the lockdown serves as a natural experiment, providing insights for targeted policy measures such as traffic restrictions, industrial emission controls, and dust management to secure long-term health benefits.o place these observations in a broader context, GAINS/ECLIPSE (V6b) projections for 2025 were evaluated. Under the Current Legislation (CLE) scenario, NOx and VOC emissions are expected to remain high, sustaining ozone production, whereas the Maximum Feasible Reduction (MFR) scenario indicates substantial declines with strong control measures. These projections reinforce that while the lockdown offered temporary relief, only sustained and stringent emission-control policies can achieve durable air quality and health benefits in Delhi.

Seasonal and Annual Rainfall Trend Analysis in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra State, India Using the Mann–Kendall Test

Harish H Deshpande — 2026-02-05

The analysis of rainfall trends across various stations in the Aurangabad district is essential for understanding regional climate patterns and their implications for agriculture and water resource management. This study employs both descriptive statistics and the Mann-Kendall trend analysis to examine the rainfall data across multiple stations (Year: 1970–2023), including Sillod, Vaijapur, Soageon, Phulambri, and others. Descriptive statistics were used to assess central tendency, variability, and distribution shape, revealing notable differences in average rainfall (mean ranging from 587.96 mm at Sillod to 741.29 mm at Khuldabad) and variability (standard deviations from 174.97 mm at Phulambri to 216.25 mm at Paithan). The analysis also highlighted differences in distribution shapes, with stations like Paithan exhibiting higher kurtosis, indicating more extreme rainfall values. The Mann-Kendall trend analysis, applied to seasonal and annual data, provided insights into temporal trends across stations. The results revealed that Sillod exhibited a statistically significant increasing trend, with a z-score of 2.55 and a p-value of 0.01, suggesting a clear upward trend in rainfall over time. Conversely, other stations like Vaijapur, Soageon, Paithan, and Gangapur showed weaker or insignificant trends. In the Rabi and Summer seasons, most stations displayed minimal or no statistically significant trends. The annual data similarly revealed that Sillod had a significant increasing trend, while the other stations showed relatively stable rainfall patterns. These findings underscore the heterogeneous rainfall patterns across Aurangabad, with some stations experiencing significant changes over time, while others remain relatively stable, providing valuable insights for local agricultural planning and water resource management.

Delineation of Seasonal Rice Efficient Cropping Zones in Tamil Nadu, India

Ammaiyappan A — 2026-02-05

Rice occupies a central position in Tamil Nadu’s agriculture and is produced under heterogeneous seasonal environments governed by monsoon dynamics, irrigation infrastructure and agro-climatic conditions. This heterogeneity translates into marked spatial and temporal variability in rice area and productivity. Identifying season-specific efficient cropping zones is therefore essential for improving productivity, optimizing resource use and ensuring sustainable rice cultivation under changing climatic conditions. This study delineated season-wise Efficient Cropping Zones (ECZs) for rice in Tamil Nadu using district level time series data on area of production, and productivity for the period 2014-15 to 2024-25. Separate analyses were carried out for Kuruvai (June to September), Samba (August to January) and Summer (February to April or May) seasons. The Relative Spread Index (RSI) and Relative Yield Index (RYI) were computed to classify districts into Most Efficient, Area Efficient, Yield Efficient, and Not Efficient Cropping Zones. The results indicated that Kuruvai season rice cultivation is confined to a limited number of districts with assured early season irrigation. However, several districts achieved high productivity despite having a relatively smaller area under cultivation. The Samba season emerged as the principal rice growing season, showing wider spatial coverage and higher efficiency across diverse agro-climatic regions due to its alignment with the Northeast monsoon. In contrast, summer rice cultivation was comparatively less efficient and predominantly constrained by water scarcity, resulting in a greater proportion of non-efficient zones. Across seasons 7 to 9 districts were classified as most efficient cropping zones, whereas 15 to 20 districts consistently fell under not efficient cropping zones, highlighting substantial spatial variability in rice performance. Overall, rice efficiency across Tamil Nadu is strongly influenced by seasonal water availability and climatic suitability. These findings provide a scientific basis for the season specific rice planning, targeted intensification in efficient zones and promotion of crop diversification in inefficient areas to support sustainable and climate resilient rice production.

Evaluation of Coriandrum sativum Leaves and Stems as Natural Coagulants for Sustainable Drinking Water Treatment

Omnya A. El-Batrawy — 2026-02-06

Natural coagulation processes are essential for the removal of colloidal particles by aggregating them into larger flocs that can easily settle in sedimentation basins—a method known for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of a water treatment plant through the use of a natural product, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), as an adsorbent. Both fresh and dried cilantro leaves and stems were utilized. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on various physicochemical parameters of water samples, both before and after treatment, including the concentration of selected heavy metals. Additionally, biological assessments were performed to determine total bacterial and algal counts, as well as the presence of diatoms, protozoa, and pathogenic helminths. Water samples were collected from a conventional water treatment facility situated at the endpoint of freshwater streams in the Daqahliya governorate. The samples underwent a pretreatment process using natural coagulation/flocculation with cilantro as the adsorbent, tested via a jar flocculator apparatus. Results indicated that dried cilantro stems achieved the highest turbidity removal efficiency at 76.33% with an optimal dosage of 0.6 g/L. Dried leaves followed with 69% efficiency at 0.3 g/L. Fresh stems and fresh leaves showed removal efficiencies of 35.4% and 33%, respectively, both at a dosage of 0.3 g/L and within a pH range of 6 to 7. In conclusion, one-sixth of people do not have access to any kind of safe and improved water supply within one kilometer of their residence. So cilantro presents promise as a sustainable, low-cost natural coagulant for enhancing water treatment and meeting the rising demand for clean water.

Study of the Spatio-Temporal Variability of Climate Extremes in the Nouhao Sub-Basin in Burkina Faso Over the Period 1981-2020

Aminata Zeba — 2026-02-06

Extreme weather events are attracting growing scientific interest due to their impact on natural and socio-economic systems. However, few studies have focused on extreme weather events in the regions of Burkina Faso, a Sahelian country in West Africa. The objective of this study is to analyze the spatio-temporal variability and trends of climate extremes (precipitation and temperatures) in the Nouhao sub-basin. To this end, the analysis is based on observational and ERA5 reanalysis data for rainfall and temperature parameters for the period 1981-2020. These data were used to calculate climate extreme indices defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) using Rclimdex. Trends were assessed using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator, while spatial structures were analyzed by geostatistical interpolation (kriging). The study showed strong decadal variability in extreme precipitation indices, with no monotonic trend over the period 1981-2020. However, the study highlights strong variability in extreme temperature indices, with a general trend towards a decrease in cold extremes and an increase in hot extremes, reflecting a gradual warming of the temperature regime. These results constitute an important climate signal for water resource management and the development of climate change adaptation strategies in the Nouhao sub-basin.