International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Challenges and Institutional Barriers in Implementing Carbon Market Initiatives among Pastoralist Communities: Experiences from Ngaremara, Northern Kenya

Kiptoo Chemoiwo — 2026-03-19

Carbon market initiatives have been promoted as mechanisms to enhance climate resilience and provide economic benefits to vulnerable communities. However, their successful implementation is often hindered by governance, institutional, and socio-cultural challenges. This study examines barriers to carbon market implementation among pastoralist communities in Ngaremara, Isiolo County, Kenya. Using a cross-sectional survey and qualitative responses from 367 households, the research analyzes stakeholder participation, benefit-sharing mechanisms, financial accessibility, and policy-related constraints affecting project success. Quantitative findings indicate that 62.9% of respondents reported conflicts over benefit-sharing, while 33.5% felt excluded from decision-making processes, and 70% cited difficulties accessing technical expertise and financial resources. Qualitative responses further revealed concerns about unclear policy frameworks, limited transparency in benefit distribution, and tensions between carbon project requirements and pastoralist grazing traditions. Socio-cultural factors such as trust deficits (52%) and perceived misalignment with local land-use practices (30.8%) further constrained project adoption. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant negative association between implementation challenges and livelihood outcomes (p < 0.001). The study concludes that governance weaknesses, inadequate financial structures, policy implementation gaps, and limited community engagement pose major obstacles to carbon market success in pastoralist regions. Addressing these barriers requires strengthening participatory governance, improving financial access, and designing culturally responsive climate finance mechanisms.

Vegetation Health Dynamics and the Impacts on Climate Change and Agriculture in Ebonyi State Southeastern Nigeria

Agwu Jacob Parkins — 2026-03-20

This study investigates vegetation health dynamics and the impacts on climate change and agriculture in Ebonyi State Southeastern Nigeria using geospatial techniques covering a period 39 years (1986 to 2025). Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to assess the health of vegetation. The results indicate that No vegetation area increased slightly from 40.7808km² in 1986 to 40.7871km² in 2025 representing an increase of 0.02%. Low vegetation/degraded area increased significantly from 618.8688km² in 1986 to 1058.554km²in 2025 representing an increase of +71%. Stressed vegetation area decreased from 2636.77 km² in 1986 to 2546.817 km² in 2025 representing a decrease of -3.41%. Moderately healthy vegetation area decreased from 2469.672km² in 1986 to 2032.174km² in 2025 representing a decrease of -17.71% while healthy vegetation increased from 659.0556km² in 1986 to 746.9181km² in 2025 representing an increase of +13.33%. The largest increase was in low vegetation/degraded area (+71.05%) followed by healthy vegetation (+13.33%) while the largest decrease was in moderately healthy vegetation (-17.71%) followed by stressed vegetation (-3.41%). These findings provide valuable insights into the vegetation health dynamics and their implications for climate change and agriculture as well as ecosystem sustainability and resilience in Ebonyi State as evidenced by the very strong and significant statistical relationships among the variables. The study enhances our understanding of how climate change and human activities influence vegetation dynamics and land cover changes in the region, providing valuable insights for evidence-based decision-making and the implementation of sustainable land management practices.

Influence of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Biological Properties of Sesame

A. Krishna Chaitanya — 2026-03-20

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nutrient management practices on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, soil properties, microbial activity and grain quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The treatments included organic farming, inorganic farming, integrated nutrient management (INM), natural farming and control. Nutrient sources significantly influenced crop growth and productivity. Plant height was higher under organic farming at 30 DAS, whereas INM recorded significantly greater plant height at 60 DAS and at harvest. Yield attributes such as number of branches, capsules plant⁻¹, capsule length and seeds capsule⁻¹ were significantly superior under INM. The highest seed yield (588 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yield (2572 kg ha⁻¹) were obtained under INM, followed by organic and inorganic farming, while control recorded the lowest yield. Nutrient uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was significantly higher under INM at later growth stages. Soil pH and EC were not influenced by treatments; however, soil organic carbon and available N and K were significantly improved under INM. Organic farming enhanced microbial populations and soil enzymatic activities. Grain quality analysis indicated higher crude protein under inorganic farming and higher crude fat under organic farming. Overall, integrated nutrient management proved most effective for improving sesame productivity while sustaining soil fertility.

Impact of Zonal Configuration of the South Atlantic and South Indian Ocean Subtropical Highs on March-May Surface Air Temperature Variability over Southern Africa

Sudi Yasini Kisama — 2026-03-20

The zonal configuration of the South Atlantic (SASH) and South Indian (SISH) subtropical highs significantly influences southern Africa’s climate variability from daily to decadal scales. This study examines the impact of their zonal positioning on March-May (MAM) surface air temperature (SAT) from 1940-2024. The Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method was used to analyze monthly sea level pressure (SLP) to identify different zonal displacement phases. Composite analysis was also used on net shortwave radiation (SSR), surface energy fluxes, and total cloud cover to diagnose physical mechanisms associated with SAT variability. Joint westward displacement of the highs triggers SAT cooling over the central plateaus and Mozambique Channel, while joint eastward displacement is associated with SAT cooling over East Africa and parts of the southern and central plateaus. Westward SASH and eastward SISH displacement results in slight SAT cooling over East Africa, the central plateaus, western Madagascar, and the western coast. Conversely, eastward SASH and westward SISH displacement cool the eastern region extending to the central interior, while warming the remaining parts. These configurations strengthen the subtropical ridge, increasing subsidence and reducing cloud cover, which increases net SSR and surface sensible heat flux (SSH) and reduces outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and surface latent heat (SLH) flux, leading to surface warming. Away displacement triggers ascent and increased cloud cover, leading to less SSR and SSH and more OLR and SLH flux, contributing to observed SAT cooling. These findings demonstrate that the zonal configurations of subtropical high structures modify the net energy pattern in opposing ways depending on the phase configuration, highlighting their importance for improved seasonal SAT predictability.

Thermodynamics and Hydrogeochemical Evolution of the Shallow Aquifer in Enugu Urban, Southeastern Nigeria

A. U. Alichi — 2026-03-21

The shallow aquifer system in Enugu Urban, southeastern Nigeria, represents a critical groundwater resource but is increasingly affected by complex hydrogeochemical and thermodynamic processes driven by rapid urbanization, lithological heterogeneity, and climatic variability. This study integrates field-based hydrochemical investigations (via groundwater sampling and laboratory analysis), graphical and statistical tools, and thermodynamic modeling using PHREEQC to elucidate the key controls on groundwater chemistry, mineral stability, and water–rock interactions. Results reveal a dominance of the Na-HCO₃ water type, coupled with active cation exchange and extensive silicate weathering. Thermodynamic indices indicate that calcite, dolomite, and gypsum are predominantly undersaturated, with spatial and seasonal variations reflecting the interplay between geogenic factors and anthropogenic influences, particularly from land use changes and urban development. These findings underscore the aquifer’s limited buffering capacity and its vulnerability to quality degradation, with significant implications for groundwater management and aquifer sustainability in rapidly urbanizing settings. The study provides a scientific basis for informed decision-making aimed at preserving groundwater quality and ensuring long-term water security in Enugu.

Optimization of Drum-Kiln Pyrolysis for Woody and Agricultural Biomass: Influence of Temperature and Residence Time on Biochar Yield and Ash Content

Saideep Thallapally — 2026-03-21

The thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biochar represents an effective strategy for the sustainable management of agricultural residues and the production of stable carbon-rich materials for soil improvement. Low-cost drum-kiln systems provide a practical and decentralized approach for biochar production, particularly in rural agricultural settings. However, the influence of operational parameters on biochar yield and composition requires further evaluation. In this study, the effects of pyrolysis temperature (350–550 °C) and residence time (30–120 min) on biochar yield and ash formation were investigated using a factorial experimental design. Six biomass feedstocks-Conocarpus erectus, eucalyptus branches, acacia pruning residues, rice straw, wheat straw, and pigeon-pea stalks-were characterized through proximate analysis to assess feedstock variability. Optimization experiments were conducted using Conocarpus erectus as a representative woody biomass under controlled drum-kiln pyrolysis conditions. The results showed that biochar yield decreased from 39.8 % at 350 °C and 30 min to 21.0 % at 550 °C and 120 min, while ash content increased from 3.2 % to 11.8 % with increasing pyrolysis severity. The reduction in biochar yield was attributed to enhanced volatilization of organic components at higher temperatures, whereas the increase in ash content resulted from the concentration of inorganic mineral constituents within the char matrix. Optimal operating conditions were identified at 375–400 °C with residence times of 45–60 min, providing a favorable balance between biochar yield, ash content, and physicochemical stability. Overall, the study demonstrates that optimized drum-kiln pyrolysis can produce efficient and stable biochar, offering a cost-effective and sustainable approach for agricultural residue management and decentralized biomass valorization.

Spatio-temporal Analysis of Climate Change in Kerala, India: Implication for Cardamom Production

R. S. Neethu — 2026-03-21

The study examined long-term climate change patterns in the central regions of Kerala over a 30-year period. Trend analysis was performed for annual and seasonal variables using Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator. The results revealed a significant decreasing trend in annual rainfall and northeast monsoon rainfall, accompanied by an increasing trend in maximum temperature during both the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons. Minimum temperature exhibited a declining trend across all seasons except summer and winter. To further assess rainfall variability, Seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) models were fitted to monthly rainfall data. The best-fit models identified was ARIMA (0,0,0)(0,1,1)₁₂. The findings give an insight into regional climatic variability and offer a scientific basis for long-term agricultural planning and climate adaptation strategies. Multiple regression on production of cardamom as dependent variable and quarterly temperature and rainfall as the independent variables revealed reasonable increase in minimum temperature positively influences the yield of cardamom and excess rainfall during harvesting period had negative impact.

Perceptions of Vegetable and Fruit Retailers on Food Loss and Waste (FLW) and Its Environmental Impacts in Rural Markets of Faridpur, Bangladesh

Md. Ashraful Islam — 2026-03-21

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a critical global issue affecting food security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency, contributing significantly to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. In Bangladesh, especially in rural markets, substantial losses of perishable produce occur due to inadequate infrastructure, poor handling, and limited awareness. Despite its importance, research on FLW at the retail level and retailers’ environmental perceptions remains limited. This study investigates the socioeconomic status, perceptions, practices, and environmental impacts related to food loss and waste (FLW) among vegetable and fruit retailers in rural markets in Faridpur District, Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys with 196 retail owners and qualitative key informant interviews (KIIs) with market committee members and Department of Agricultural Extension representatives. The results show a predominantly young, male retail owner, with a moderate level of education and experience in retailing perishable goods. Retail owners demonstrated strong awareness of the drivers of FLW, including poor transportation, selling delays, and over-purchasing, but highlighted infrastructure limitations, particularly the lack of cold storage, as key contributors to food waste. The study revealed that 75% of vegetable and 72% of fruit retailers recognized the environmental pollution and public health risks associated with food loss and waste (FLW). However, only 51–52% acknowledged FLW’s contribution to climate change. While most traders understood the immediate environmental and health impacts of vegetable and fruit loss, awareness of broader climate implications was comparatively lower. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to raise climate-related awareness and promote sustainable waste management practices among rural market retailers. Despite a strong willingness to adopt improved waste management practices, gaps in practical implementation, such as waste separation, proper handling, and waste management. These findings emphasize the need for integrated interventions combining education, infrastructure development, and behavior-based strategies to reduce FLW and mitigate its environmental and economic impacts in rural markets.

Spatiotemporal Variability and Trends of Rainfall in Zambia and their Links to Oceanic Teleconnections

Clara Liapapa — 2026-03-23

Rainfall variability strongly influences agriculture, water resources, and socio-economic stability in Zambia, where livelihoods largely depend on seasonal precipitation. Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of rainfall is therefore essential for effective climate risk management. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of rainfall across Zambia during 1993–2024 and examines its relationship with large-scale ocean–atmosphere interactions. Monthly precipitation data from the ERA5 reanalysis and sea surface temperature (SST) fields from NOAA were analyzed using standardized rainfall anomalies, the Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope estimator, Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, and correlation analysis. Results indicate that Zambia exhibits a unimodal rainfall regime, with most precipitation occurring during the NDJFMA rainy season (November–April). Trend analysis reveals spatially heterogeneous rainfall changes, with statistically significant increases in northern and northeastern Zambia, reaching approximately 8 mm yr⁻¹, while central and southern regions display weak or non-significant trends. Temporal analysis highlights strong interannual variability, with rainfall fluctuations largely controlled by variations during the main rainy season. EOF analysis shows that the leading mode (EOF1) explains 53% of total rainfall variance, representing a coherent countrywide rainfall pattern, while the second mode (EOF2) accounts for 15.3% of the variance and reflects a north–south rainfall dipole. Correlation analysis further demonstrates that Zambia’s rainfall variability is significantly linked to SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. In particular, El Niño conditions are generally associated with below-normal rainfall, whereas La Niña conditions favor wetter-than-normal seasons. Overall, the findings highlight the dominant influence of large-scale ocean–atmosphere interactions on Zambia’s rainfall variability and provide useful insights for improving seasonal climate prediction, water resource management, and agricultural planning under a changing climate.

Comparative Study of Morphometric and USDA SCS - CN Methods for Assessing Runoff Potential in Hazaribagh Plateau, India

Pooja Sakthi Rama — 2026-03-23

The assessment and management of surface runoff is important for watershed planning and water resource utilization, especially in areas where agriculture is mostly dependent on rainfall. This study aims to evaluate and compare the runoff potential of 98 delineated watersheds within the Hazaribagh Plateau region using two distinct approaches namely morphometric analysis and the Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number (SCS-CN) methods using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. A Compound Factor (CF), which represents the structural runoff potential of each watershed was computed using morphometric parameters under linear, areal, and relief aspects that were obtained from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and is categorised into five ranks. Similarly, runoff coefficients were estimated using the SCS-CN approach based on land use/land cover, hydrologic soil groups and antecedent moisture conditions, which are further categorised into five classes. Comparative analysis revealed that 46 watersheds exhibited matching ranks, while 35 showed lower SCS-CN ranking than morphometric parameter ranking and 17 showed higher. These variations highlight the combined influence of terrain characteristics, land use patterns, soil properties, and moisture conditions on runoff generation. The results demonstrate that morphometric analysis provides a preliminary assessment of runoff behaviour, while the SCS-CN method offers a more dynamic and quantitative evaluation, and their integration improves the reliability of runoff assessment for efficient watershed planning.

Effect of Various Establishment Techniques and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Browntop Millet

Naveen Kumar V — 2026-03-23

Browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L.) is a drought-tolerant minor millet suitable for cultivation under marginal soils and rainfed conditions. However, information on suitable establishment methods and optimal spacing to improve productivity is limited. A field experiment was conducted during late Kharif 2025 at the Instructional Farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two establishment methods (direct sowing and transplanting) as main plots and six spacing treatments (20 × 10, 30 × 10, 45 × 10, 20 × 20, 30 × 20, and 45 × 20 cm) as subplots, replicated three times. Direct sowing recorded higher plant height (104.3 cm), dry matter production (4373.6 kg/ha), grain yield (1178.4 kg/ha), straw yield (2823.9 kg/ha) and harvest index (31%) compared to transplanting. Among spacing treatments, 45 × 10 cm produced the highest grain yield (1368.3 kg/ha), while 20 × 10 cm recorded higher straw yield, and wider spacing 45 × 20 cm recorded the highest harvest index (37.20%). The findings indicate that direct sowing combined with 45 × 10 cm spacing is a suitable agronomic practice for improving the browntop millet productivity. Economic analysis also revealed that direct sowing with 45 × 10 cm spacing resulted in higher net returns and benefit–cost ratio.

Design and Performance Evaluation of a Solar-powered Boom Sprayer Vehicle for Agricultural Applications

Ashish Pawar — 2026-03-20

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective agricultural technologies has created the need for innovative spraying solutions suitable for small and marginal farmers. This project presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a Farmer-Friendly Solar-Powered Boom Sprayer Vehicle developed at the College of Technology and Agriculture Engineering, Jodhpur. The system is designed to reduce manual labour, minimize chemical exposure, and eliminate dependence on fossil fuels and battery storage systems. The sprayer operates entirely on real-time solar energy using two 50W solar panels connected in series to supply power to a 24V DC diaphragm pump through a solar charge controller. The vehicle is equipped with a five-nozzle boom system that ensures uniform spray distribution across crop rows, achieving an effective spray width of approximately 1.8 meters. A 30–35 litre storage tank supplies the spraying liquid, providing about 22–25 minutes of continuous operation per refill. Performance testing under sunny field conditions confirmed stable voltage output (36–37V), consistent pump pressure (~80 PSI), and an open flow rate of 1.5 LPM. The system demonstrated the ability to cover approximately 315 m² per tank and nearly one acre within 90 minutes using five refills. Constructed with a lightweight mild steel chassis and repurposed materials, the vehicle is easy to manoeuvre and cost-effective, with an estimated total cost of USD 219.92. The developed system possess a low operating cost as compare to traditional diesel operated sprayers, environmentally friendly with a minimum repair and maintenance.

Agrobiodiversity for Climate Resilience: A Systematic Review of Yield Stability, Pest Regulation, and Nutrition Outcomes

S. P. Jeshwin Giftson — 2026-03-24

Climate change is intensifying production risks in agriculture by amplifying heat, drought, floods, and pest outbreaks. Agrobiodiversity—the deliberate diversification of crops, varieties, rotations, and non-crop habitats—offers a practical adaptation pathway that can stabilise yields while delivering ecosystem services essential for resilient food systems. The review aims to examine how agricultural biodiversity enhances climate resilience by improving yield stability, supporting pest regulation, and boosting nutrition outcomes. This systematic review synthesises recent field evidence from meta-analyses and long-term experiments to evaluate how agrobiodiversity influences three outcomes central to climate adaptation: yield stability, pest and disease regulation, and nutrition. Field-based studies and meta-analyses published between January 2013 and March 2025. We screened studies that report field-based outcomes for diversified practices such as cultivar mixtures, multi-species rotations, intercropping, and landscape elements, including hedgerows and floral strips. Across diverse climates and production systems, diversification generally maintains or increases mean yields and reduces interannual variability, with variety mixtures buffering weather shocks and rotational diversity strengthening resource use efficiency over time. At the same time, field- and landscape-level diversification supports pollination and natural enemy communities, often lowering pest pressure and reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides without compromising yield. Nutrition outcomes show a consistent, context-dependent pattern: greater on-farm production diversity and food-system-level agrobiodiversity are associated with more diverse diets and more stable nutrient availability, particularly where market access is limited or volatile. Mechanistically, three drivers recur: response diversity that spreads climate risk across genotypes and species; functional complementarity that improves nutrient, water, and light capture; and service scaffolding, whereby semi-natural habitat sustains pollinators and natural enemies under warming and land-use change. Effective design emphasises functionally distinct mixtures, legume-inclusive rotations, multi-scale habitat, alignment with integrated pest management, and policies that connect farm diversity to market and diet diversity. Notable trade-offs include management complexity, labour demands, and context dependence, where benefits weaken in highly simplified landscapes. We outline monitoring priorities that pair practice indicators with outcome metrics such as yield variance, pesticide intensity, and biodiversity measures, enabling performance-based incentives. Overall, agrobiodiversity emerges as a no-regrets adaptation strategy that strengthens resilience, sustains productivity, and supports nutrition, while creating co-benefits for ecosystems and livelihoods. This review set out to evaluate whether agrobiodiversity—diversity within crops, among crops, and across landscapes—offers a dependable pathway for climate adaptation in agriculture, with specific attention to yield stability, pest regulation, and nutrition.

Breeding Crops for Climate Resilience: Integrating Conventional and Genomic Approaches

Harshavardhan Mohan Totawar — 2026-03-14

Climate change, primarily caused by rising greenhouse gas concentrations, is causing long-term changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather frequency, with far-reaching implications for agriculture and food security. Recent studies indicate that global staple crop yields have already declined by approximately 1.5% per decade due to climate-related stresses, highlighting the urgency for climate-resilient agricultural systems. Breeding programs must create climate-resilient cultivars in rapidly changing environments, while heat, drought, salinity, and increasing biotic stresses such as pests and diseases pose an increasing threat to crop productivity. Long growth cycles, little genetic diversity, and intricate genotype–environment interactions limit conventional plant breeding, despite its foundational nature. While current techniques like genomics-assisted selection, marker-assisted breeding, speed breeding, and genome editing are accelerating genetic advances, crop wild relatives and pre-breeding remain important sources of novel stress-tolerance genes. By combining these strategies, yield stability under climatic variability is supported and targeted improvements in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance are made possible. Future research must focus on breeding crops with tolerance to multiple simultaneous stresses, supported by high-throughput phenotyping platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven breeding approaches to enhance selection efficiency. In addition, strengthening global collaboration, conserving plant genetic resources, and promoting sustainable breeding strategies will be critical for ensuring long-term food security and climate-resilient agricultural systems. The most recent developments in climate-resilient crop breeding techniques are discussed in this review, which also emphasises integrated approaches for sustainable agricultural climate change adaptation.

A Review of Abscisic Acid and Proline-mediated Regulatory Mechanisms in Plant Temperature Stress Tolerance: Molecular, Biochemical and Physiological Insights

Hari Om Tatsad — 2026-03-18

Temperature stress, including both high and low temperatures, has become a major constraint to global agricultural productivity under changing climatic conditions. Increasing temperatures and frequent heat waves adversely affect physiological and biochemical processes in crops such as Indian mustard, leading to reduced photosynthesis, membrane instability, oxidative damage, and ultimately lower yield. Temperature stress also increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which disrupts cellular homeostasis, accelerates reproductive failure, and reduces biomass and oil yield.

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a central role in regulating plant responses to temperature stress by linking environmental signals with physiological and molecular mechanisms. Stress-induced ABA biosynthesis, particularly through activation of the NCED enzyme, initiates the PYR/PYL–PP2C–SnRK2 signalling pathway, leading to the expression of stress-responsive genes. ABA regulates stomatal closure, enhances antioxidant defence systems, and maintains osmotic balance under adverse temperature conditions.

Proline, an important compatible osmolyte, also contributes significantly to stress tolerance. It protects cellular structures, stabilizes proteins and membranes, and scavenges reactive oxygen species generated during stress. Increased proline accumulation has been frequently associated with thermo-tolerant genotypes, contributing to improved membrane stability and enhanced recovery after stress exposure.

Recent studies suggest a close interaction between ABA signaling and proline metabolism. ABA-mediated pathways stimulate proline biosynthesis and suppress its degradation, creating a regulatory network that helps maintain redox balance and cellular stability under temperature stress.

The literature used in this review was systematically collected from major scientific databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed, using relevant keywords related to ABA, proline metabolism, and temperature stress. Selected peer-reviewed studies were screened for relevance, and only those providing molecular, physiological, and biochemical insights into ABA–proline interactions under temperature stress were included.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) to Elevated CO₂ and Temperature and their Consequences on Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Performance

M. N. Chethan — 2026-03-19

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and temperature are key components of ongoing climate change and are expected to exert significant influences on mulberry-based sericulture systems. Mulberry (Morus alba L.), a C₃ plant and the sole food source for the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), responds strongly to elevated CO₂ through enhanced photosynthesis, increased leaf area development, and higher leaf biomass production. However, these quantitative gains are often accompanied by qualitative changes in leaf biochemistry, particularly under combined elevated CO₂ and temperature conditions. Open Top Chamber (OTC) studies conducted under tropical environments, including the Raichur experiment, demonstrate that elevated CO₂ and CO₂ + temperature treatments increase leaf sugars, total carbohydrates, phenols, and tannins, while reducing leaf nitrogen and protein content and increasing the C:N ratio. These biochemical shifts indicate a dilution of nutritional quality despite increased leaf yield. Such changes have important consequences for silkworm nutrition and physiology, as silk protein synthesis depends critically on dietary nitrogen and balanced amino acid supply. Reduced leaf protein and increased secondary metabolites are biologically expected to lower nutritional efficiency, constrain silk gland protein deposition, and induce digestive or oxidative stress, even when larval growth appears unaffected. Warming further intensifies these effects by imposing direct physiological stress on silkworms and indirectly degrading leaf functional quality. Overall, the combined effects of elevated CO₂ and temperature reveal a growing decoupling between mulberry leaf quantity and quality, highlighting the need for integrated evaluation of mulberry–silkworm interactions and adaptive management strategies to sustain sericulture productivity under future climate scenarios.

Participatory Approaches in Natural Resource Management: A Review from a Socio-Economic Perspective

Indu Patel — 2026-03-20

The management of natural resources has become a burning issue with the growing cases of environmental degradation, climatic changes and the lack of livelihoods especially in forest based and rural areas. Participatory methods in natural resources management have also been suggested as an inclusive and sustainable alternative in response to this to focus on the inclusion of local communities in the process of making decisions and governance. This review paper discusses the participatory strategies in natural resource management in socio economic perspective, particularly forestry. By relying on the theoretical frameworks pertaining to common property resources, collective action, and social capital, the paper integrates the findings of national and global research on participatory forestry, community forest management, and community-based natural resources management. This review identifies that participatory model like Joint Forest Management, community forestry and social forestry has been effective in ameliorating forest condition and at the same time enhancing the livelihoods of the rural population. Engagement in forest conservation, forest plantations and collection of non-timber forest products would offer them wages as well as additional income, thus making them less vulnerable in the face of forest-dependent households. The review also highlights how inclusive participation, especially of women and the marginalised makes social equity strong and enhances better governance results. The review finds that participatory methods are a potential channel in attaining sustainable management of natural resources and socio-economic development. It also highlights the existence of a research gap to micro-level and quantitative assess socio-economic outcomes which indicates the necessity of future research(s) combining livelihood analysis with institutional and governance measure.

Avifaunal Diversity, Dynamics and their Significance as a Tool to Assess Habitat Status: A Review

A. V. Srikantha — 2026-03-21

Birds provide essential services for ecological balance by serving as pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers, which help maintain the health of ecosystems. Degradation of their habitats, for any reason, would disturb this balance. Every cause of climate change is known to trigger changes in the composition, structure, and function of avian community. The loss and fragmentation of forest habitats leads to decline in bird populations at both micro and macro levels. This review was aimed to identify research studies, whose findings highlight the significance of avifaunal dynamics as a tool to evaluate the health of the habitats and ecosystems. Research outcomes from various field studies carried out across different parts of the world were reviewed. Assessments related to changes in birds’ distribution ranges, diets, nesting behaviours, breeding practices, and habitat occupancy have reflected significant changes in habitat quality. Numerous studies have shown a declining trend in bird populations within forests that are experiencing degradation. These research aid in monitoring habitat degradation and helps in evaluating the effects of climate change. This review revealed that Ecologists worldwide have reached a consensus, based on extensive field experiments, that studying avifaunal diversity and dynamics reflects the status of the habitat and can be an effective tool to assess habitat status.

Economic Valuation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Methods, Challenges and Policy Implications

A. A. Zubair — 2026-03-23

Blue carbon ecosystems—mangroves, sea grass meadows, and salt marshes—are exciting nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation that offer substantial carbon sequestration potential as well multiple co-benefits. But, because their full value often goes unrecognized in policy and economic decisions, they will continue to degrade. This review synthesizes, evidence on the economic valuation of blue carbon ecosystems in terms of methods used, challenges to valuation and implications for policy. This paper summarizes market-based and non-market valuation approaches (carbon markets, direct use values and revealed as well as stated preference methods) through a literature review. The analysis underscores the immense economic worth of examining these ecosystems, which goes beyond their ability to sequester carbon and includes coastal protection, fisheries enhancement and biodiversity conservation. A set of known valuation challenges is highlighted: the scientific uncertainties surrounding carbon accounting, the complexities involved in monetizing non-market values and various market and financial concerns including price volatility and high transaction costs. The review then delves into the institutional obstacles that includes fragmented policies and insecure tenure rights that can stand in the way of successful blue carbon initiatives. Following up on this analysis, the paper ends with recommendations for moving forward and calls to action — including our collective need to include blue carbon in national and international policy frameworks, harmonize financial mechanisms through new and innovative instruments such as blue bonds and debt-for-nature swaps, and advance governance strategies that are inclusive of stakeholder voices. This review highlights the pressing need to move towards a more holistic, integrated and practical approach for valuation and management of blue carbon ecosystems in order to maximize their potential contributions to sustainable development and climate action.

Connecting Generations for Climate Justice: Intergenerational Learning in Inclusive Environmental Education

Venetia D. Nikita — 2026-03-23

Environmental education (EE) in various age groups uses a variety of learning strategies to promote ecological literacy that fosters climate justice towards present and future generations. However, educational policy insufficiently addresses reciprocal cross-generation learning dynamics in shaping environmental attitudes and behaviors. This review focused on the impact of intergenerational learning (IGL) strategies used in EE that promote climate intergenerational justice. The review aimed to understand how multi-age, cross-generational gender-diverse collaboration can transform climate equity perceptions and promote inclusive education. The Scopus and the ScienceDirect academic databases were used for a bibliographic qualiquantitative research. A total of 52 multidisciplinary peer-reviewed open access articles from diverse global regions published between January 2015 to January 2025 were retrieved. The non-invasive, non-linear content analysis used coding categories that included IGL processes, education equity outcomes, justice frameworks, contextual variables, and policy contexts. Findings showed that IGL functioned as a bidirectional transmission process of environmental knowledge and behaviors. When employed, IGL strategies promoted self-efficacy, empathy and solidarity and fostered a stronger commitment to inclusive practices across age groups. Findings underscored the link between the sustainability of IGL and social identities, such as age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, as well as indigenous knowledge integration, and institutional support. There is also need for longitudinal research regarding IGL and sustained behavior change, as well as policy engagement. Implications for educators include curriculum design that incorporates intergenerational dialogue, participatory projects, and community-based learning experiences. For policymakers, integrating IGL into climate education frameworks can strengthen civic engagement and enhance policy legitimacy across generations.

Climate Change Impacts on Sericulture: Evidence from Mulberry Physiology, Silkworm Biology and Northeast Indian Muga Ecosystems

Ashish S. Karur — 2026-03-25

Climate change has emerged as a major driver of agro-ecological instability, influencing temperature regimes, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme climatic events. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impacts of climate change on sericulture, with particular emphasis on mulberry physiology, silkworm biology, and the vulnerability of non-mulberry silk ecosystems in Northeast India. These environmental changes pose significant challenges to sericulture, a climate-sensitive agro-based industry that depends on the complex interaction between host plant physiology and silkworm biology. Mulberry (Morus spp.), the primary host plant of the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), follows the C3 photosynthetic pathway and is therefore highly sensitive to variations in temperature and moisture availability. Rising temperatures and altered carbon dioxide dynamics influence photosynthesis, transpiration, and leaf nutritional quality, which directly affect silkworm growth, development, and silk productivity. Silkworms, being poikilothermic organisms, exhibit strong sensitivity to environmental fluctuations throughout their life cycle, and deviations from optimal temperature and humidity conditions can lead to reduced cocoon weight, lower shell ratio, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Climate variability also affects cocoon morphology and silk fiber properties, thereby reducing reeling efficiency and market value. Evidence from Northeast India further demonstrates the vulnerability of non-mulberry sericulture systems, particularly muga silk production in Assam, where rising temperatures, recurrent flooding, and host plant degradation have disrupted traditional rearing practices and reduced productivity. The review also highlights key adaptation and mitigation strategies, including the development of climate-resilient mulberry varieties, stress-tolerant silkworm breeds, improved rearing technologies, and adaptive management practices to sustain sericulture under changing climatic conditions.