Conference Welcome Reception and Poster Session
The Effects of Climate Change on Iceland's Renewable Energy Sources throughout the 21st Century
Poster/Exhibit Session Michael Conway
Iceland’s energy comes almost completely from its renewable resources, with the majority being hydroelectric energy, and the remainder being geothermal energy. For several months, researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) conducted secondary-source research on the effect climate change will have on Iceland’s renewable resources throughout the next century. Most importantly, the researchers emphasized the importance of the Icelandic Government’s plans on responding to these upcoming changes. The Earth's rising temperatures are causing a shrinkage of Iceland’s glaciers, and changing the water runoff from these glaciers at an alarming rate. The rate of glacial decay is currently overflowing Iceland’s dams, but will soon peak, then begin to decrease within the century until the glaciers have completely melted. In order to discover more about the repercussions of climate change, the researchers from ERAU travelled to Iceland, and conducted in-person interviews with both industry professionals, and common Icelanders. Using secondary-source research, combined and cross-referenced with primary source interviews with professionals from Landsvirkjun, citizens from age groups varying between their twenties to their fifties, and other professional workers that came to Iceland from foreign nations, the conclusion was drawn, that the recession of the Icelandic glaciers will render a multitude of Iceland’s hydroelectric power stations inert within the next century, and Iceland’s response to this energy reduction will be defined by their actions taken within the next decade.
Dynamics of Global Atmospheric Circulation and Climate
Virtual Poster Nina Kononova
Long-term fluctuations of the global atmospheric circulation and air temperature over the period 1899-2017, as well as weather extremes and the dangerous natural processes that are formed on their basis in the world and in Russia in the 21st century have been studied. The classification of the global atmospheric circulation was developed on the basis of the atmospheric circulation classification in the Northern Hemisphere by BL Dzerdzeevskii, VM Kurganskaya and ZM Witwitskaya. The same three circulation epochs are distinguished as for the Northern Hemisphere, as the periods with the greatest positive deviations of the total annual duration of one circulation group from the average multiyear value. Against the backdrop of secular fluctuations, the features of atmospheric dynamics in the 21st century are considered. During this period, the maximum meridional transport of air masses is observed in the lower troposphere. Macro processes with cyclones at the poles, with three or four simultaneous cyclone outlets from low latitudes in three or four sectors of the hemispheres are followed by macro processes with anticyclones at the poles, cyclone outlets from low latitudes in two or four sectors of the hemispheres, and Arctic / Antarctic intrusions in their rear , which form blocking processes. The global average annual air temperature follows the variations in the atmospheric circulation. Simultaneous cyclones outlets from low latitudes in different sectors of the hemispheres cause simultaneous occurrence of dangerous natural processes associated with abundant precipitation in different regions. The types of circulation under which this occurs are revealed.
The Heat of Change : Icelanders Perceptions and Observations of Global Warming
Poster/Exhibit Session Katalina Anna Montalvo
Iceland as a northern country glazed with snow and ice, beholding a diverse ecosystem. Temperature has a large impact and climate change has made its presence immediately felt. The increase in water temperature has brought new species to the land and seas of Iceland causing others to reduce in populations or having to move away to find more food or both. This research project reviews the effects of climate in Iceland, the damage the increase in temperature is causing to its fragile ecosystem, and Icelanders account of this change. Data was collected through interviews of native Icelanders, field observations, and second-hand sources. An analysis of the data showed that younger generations are more informed about what climate change means to the future of Iceland. Data also highlighted that older generations have seen firsthand the populations of puffins decreasing, the fish moving north, the glaciers shrinking rapidly, the increase in rains, winds, and less intense winters. The people of Iceland see adapting to new weather and rising rivers as not a very intense matter, but find the possible changes in the Gulf Stream and acidification of waters as horrifying. Many Icelanders are taking advantage of the warmth by growing new crops that could not grow in the harsh weathers before. The future is still unknown for Iceland.
Impact, Vulnerability and Adaptation of Brazilian Coastal Cities to Climate Change
Poster/Exhibit Session Andrea Santos, Jose Marengo, Suzana Ribeiro, Fabio Scarano
Half of the human population lives in cities and most of it is in the coastal strip. Brazil is no exception to this rule: more than 60% of the population lives in coastal cities. Current climate changes expose coastal cities to rising sea levels, changes in the frequency and intensity of storms, and increased precipitation and ocean temperatures. Each of these factors poses risks to the human population. Increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events increases the risk of landslides, floods and floods. Rising sea levels may increase exposure to housing and infrastructure risks, such as schools, markets, hospitals, ports and highways, flooding and erosion in coastal areas. Also, the trend of more intense storms can increase the risk of populations in coastal cities to events such as floods, landslides and coastal flooding. In this context, Brazilian coastal cities demand investments and adaptation measures in the face of climate change, with a focus on reducing risks and minimizing the impacts caused by extreme climatic and oceanographic events observed in the present and projected for the future
Perceptions and Awareness of Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship
Poster/Exhibit Session Nisha N. Clavier, Matthew Perry, Wanda Rosario, Sharon Honore, Kimarie Engerman
Despite the climate change debate, the climate is changing. Human society is impacted by a variety of factors such as new precipitation patterns, rising temperature, and other changes. Nevertheless, changes in human behavior can help reduce climate change. Therefore, a challenge for humans is to maintain a standard of behavior that improves the quality of life around the world while maintaining a viable ecosystem and sustainable climate. Also, human perceptions and attitudes are necessary for environmental stewardship. Thus the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship that exists between the awareness of climate change and environmental stewardship of local residents of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Surveys via iPads will be administered to 100 individuals at two beaches on St. Croix, Cramer’s Park in Christiansted and Rainbow Beach in Frederiksted. The goal of the project is to obtain preliminary data to incorporate in a larger proposal submitted to the National Science Foundation. This project aligns with the Human Dimension research focus area. Obtaining stakeholders’ perspectives contribute to knowledge on how residents can contribute to managing the Virgin Islands’ environment and natural resources.
Climate Change and Small-town Preparation: A Case Study in Pennsylvania Local Government
Poster/Exhibit Session Olivia Termini
Since the 1990’s, local governments have played a key role in climate change adaptation efforts because of the locality of climate change effects and the lack of international and national progress in mitigating greenhouse gases and preparing communities for climate change. However, while there is a clear body of literature that proposes approaches and adaption options, few have systematically examined adaptation actions at the local level in developed countries. Additionally, existing analyses have focused on large cities, not small towns. This research will explore if small-town local governments in developed countries consider climate change in their planning processes using three Pennsylvania towns and their preparation for water issues as a case study. If they do prepare, how? If they do not prepare, why? The research approach is twofold: interviews with local government officials in three Pennsylvania towns and a keyword search in local government planning documents for terms related to climate change planning. The results will be presented to each local government participating and will add a new element to the large body of climate change adaptation literature with its discussion of when and why small-town local governments prepare for climate change in developed countries.
Climate Change and Its Effects on the Hydrophysical Approach to Quantitative Morphology in Catchments
Virtual Poster Lazaro Nonato Vasconcellos De Andrade
In the cartography evaluation, quantitative analysis of elements that characterize hydrographic networks in geomorphology has a methodology. However, with the development of remote sensing techniques, the studies that associate the behavior of the environment and the cartographic measurements have been made possible in order to identify the evolution of the flow in watersheds and, as such, to understand water scarcity in the rivers. The use of Horton's quantitative morphology, together with spatial and temporal analysis techniques of remote sensing, was applied in the study of how changes in climate and their consequences in the environment can be measured by the estimation of hydrophysical parameters.
Predictive Models of Functional Connectivity of Threatened Populations in Special Areas of Conservation of the Natura 2000 Network
Virtual Poster Elvira Santiago Gómez, Sergio Baamonde, Horacio Naveira
In order to increase survival probability of the most valuable threatened species and habitats, the European Community (EC) defined a series of strategies to improve management of sites within Natura 2000, the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world, so that citizens become involved in their maintenance and new tools are implemented to facilitate joint efforts addressed to biodiversity conservation. The general objective of this project, whose final results are due on May 31, 2019, is to develop a predictive tool that helps to orientate conservation efforts in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) within Natura 2000 in response to ongoing climate change, so that its impact on reducing the loss of biodiversity can be maximized. Specific objectives include: determining habitat preferences and dispersal patterns of two indicator species of small land vertebrates, particularly sensitive to environmental changes, in the SAC Betanzos-Mandeo, NW Spain; estimating gene flow levels between different parts of the SAC through whole-genome molecular markers obtained by next-generation sequencing; fine-scale mapping of suitable habitats; modelling landscape connectivity with the aid of GIS tools; predicting consequences of landscape modification categorised by key elements on population conservation; assessing social attitudes toward environmental conservation in the SAC; and, setting territory management priorities assisted by high-resolution species distribution models. Our contribution will provide a general outline of the global warming scenario in this SAC and describe actions so far implemented under each specific objective of the project.
Green Conversion of Decommissioned Oil Rigs
Poster/Exhibit Session Barbara Marchetti, Francesco Corvaro, Mariella Leporini, Ozlem Kilic, Maurizio Brocchini
This paper present a project for converting a decommissioned oil rig in the Adriatic Sea into an additional source of economic revenue, as well as implement clean, renewable energy in order to demonstrate that oil platforms can be repurposed towards the international objective of decreasing carbon emissions. Numerous methods of clean, renewable energy production were considered, and after careful consideration, a parabolic solar trough system was determined as the most practical. In regards to replacing the platform’s operations, a fish farm was determined to be the most economical and environmentally beneficial system. Additionally, a restaurant and hotel are also being considered, however, further economical research is required.
