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Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change

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A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Climatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 September 2020) | Viewed by 28321

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Philippe Roudier

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Guest Editor

AFD- French Development Agency, 5 rue Roland Barthes 75012 Paris, France
Interests: climate risk; agriculture; water resources; weather and climate services

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Weather and climate services (WCS) are progressively put in place in many regions of the world in order to cope with weather-related disasters such as floods, hurricanes, droughts, fires, but also to help end-users to take appropriate decisions in their everyday life (cropping calendar management, etc.). However, many technical, organizational, and financial barriers arise when trying to scale up a specific pilot project at the regional or national scale.

In this Special Issue of open-access journal Atmosphere, we focus on simulations, experiments, feedbacks, case studies, and reviews that could help scientists, decision makers and practitioners to implement better, more efficient and inclusive WCS. This includes their technical aspects (model skills), interactions with users and knowledge brokers, environmental and economic impacts assessments, projects’ financial structure (for instance, forecast-based financing), and inequalities induced by WCS. We focus here on a wide range of products, ranging from hourly forecasts to seasonal ones and also including climate projections made by GCMs/RCMs. Moreover, as underlined by the Global Framework for Climate Services, we include, in this Special Issue, several sectors where WCS are useful, such as agriculture, water resources, health, energy, and disaster risk reduction. We place special emphasis on the latter and on communications with a strong interdisciplinary component. Finally, we especially welcome contributions about developing regions (such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and small islands developing states) as they are particularly vulnerable to climate change.

Dr. Philippe Roudier
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Disaster Risk Reduction
Weather and climate services
Climate resilience
Weather forecast
Seasonal forecast
Climate projections

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 7329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Downscaling and Evaluation of Seasonal Climate Data for the European Power Sector

by Jennifer Ostermöller, Philip Lorenz, Kristina Fröhlich, Frank Kreienkamp and Barbara Früh

Atmosphere 2021, 12(3), 304; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12030304 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1925

Abstract

Within the Clim2Power project, two case studies focus on seasonal variations of the hydropower production in the river basins of the Danube (Germany/Austria) and the Douro (Portugal). To deliver spatially highly resolved climate data as an input for the hydrological models, the forecasts of the German Climate Forecast System (GCFS2.0) need to be downscaled. The statistical-empirical method EPISODES is used in this approach. It is adapted to the seasonal data, which consists of ensemble hindcasts and forecasts. Beside this, the two case study regions need specific configurations of the statistical model, providing appropriate predictors for the meteorological variables. This paper describes the technical details of the adaptation of the EPISODES method for the needs of Clim2Power. We analyse the hindcast skill of the downscaled hindcasts of all four seasons for the two variables near-surface (2 m) temperature and precipitation, and conclude that on the average the skill is conserved compared to the global model. This means that the seasonal information is available at a higher spatial resolution without losing skill. Furthermore, the output of the statistical downscaling is nearly bias-free, which is, beside the higher spatial resolution, an added value for the climate service. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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15 pages, 5149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Use of the eStation Developed in the GMES & Africa EU Project: Results from the User Survey

by Christophe Lavaysse, Philippe Roudier, Vijay Venkatachalam, Jurriaan Van’t Klooster and Marco Clerici

Atmosphere 2021, 12(2), 258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12020258 - 15 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

In 2007, at the 2nd Africa-EU Summit, the development and implementation of earth observation based services to support sustainable development in Africa was agreed. A joint Africa-EU strategy created a framework for cooperation to this end called GMES & Africa. This cooperation aims to produce products and services relevant to the needs of Africans and implemented by African institutions. It is based in particular on the European Copernicus program. The themes covered by the cooperation include natural resource management, marine and coastal areas, water resource management, climate variability and change, disaster risk reduction and food security. Building on its early involvement in the previous projects, the Joint Research Centre has developed an operational and distributable open-source data processing tool, called eStation. One year before the end of the first phase of the project, a full survey of eStation users was conducted. The objective of the survey was to get a full overview of the use, strength, weakness and way to improve the eStation in an operational context. This study presents the main results of the survey. It identifies who are the users, what their operational tasks are and how they communicate the information to decision makers. In addition, the use of the station is described, its strengths and weaknesses are identified as well as the technical and thematic difficulties encountered. The survey underlines the importance of maintaining a constant dialogue between users and developers in order to offer technical and thematic supports to improve the efficiency of the use of the tools. This can be done by organising training and workshops and is essential for the proper use of the tools and products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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27 pages, 5404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing a Climate Service for Planning Climate Actions in Vulnerable Countries

by Christiana Photiadou, Berit Arheimer, Thomas Bosshard, René Capell, Maria Elenius, Ilaria Gallo, Frida Gyllensvärd, Katharina Klehmet, Lorna Little, Isabel Ribeiro, Léonard Santos and Elin Sjökvist

Atmosphere 2021, 12(1), 121; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12010121 - 16 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2748

Abstract

The next generation of climate services needs not only tailoring to specific user needs but to provide, in addition, access to key information in a usable way that satisfies the needs of different users’ profiles; especially web-based services. Here, we present the outcomes from developing such a new interactive prototype. The service provides data for robust climate analysis to underpin decision-making when planning measures to compensate for climate impact. The goal is to facilitate the communication on climate information between climate modelling communities and adaptation or mitigation initiatives from vulnerable countries that are applying for funds from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). A participatory process was ensured during four workshops in four pilot countries, with an audience of national and international experts. During this process it was made clear that in all countries there is a strong need for knowledge in climate science, while in most countries there was also an increasing need of capacity in hydrological modelling and water management. The active interaction during the workshops was found necessary to facilitate the dialogue between service developers and users. Understanding the users, transparency on potentials and limitations of climate services together with capacity development in climate science and methods were required components in the development of the service. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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21 pages, 4250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Constraints and Flood-Recession Agriculture in the Senegal River Valley

by Mamadou Sall, Jean-Christophe Poussin, Aymar Yaovi Bossa, Ramatoulaye Ndiaye, Madiama Cissé, Didier Martin, Jean-Claude Bader, Benjamin Sultan and Andrew Ogilvie

Atmosphere 2020, 11(11), 1192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11111192 - 03 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3002

Abstract

Flood recession farming practiced in flood-prone areas and on the banks of rivers and lakes in arid or semi-arid environments essentially depends on the soil water stock after the flood has receded. During these last few decades, this coveted agriculture is increasingly challenged by severe water constraints, due to increased hydrological hazards and development projects aimed at controlling floods. These challenges are difficult to anticipate, and are the subject of a great deal of uncertainty regarding the sustainability of development projects in the concerned areas. In this study, recent hydraulic data of the Senegal River were analyzed to understand the constraints related to the river management in flood-prone areas. Satellite imagery analysis techniques were used to estimate flooded areas and establish relationships with the river regime. Agricultural practices implemented by farmers were also analyzed to evaluate the resilience of this cropping system to the risk of water stress. The results confirmed many constraints of different importance related to the objectives assigned to the management of dams under multiple water use context. It clearly came out that the water resource management rules relegate flood-recession agriculture to the lowest priorities. In addition, there are safety issues related to unexpected effects of flooding on the water structures and in the nearby inhabited localities of flood-prone areas. Knowing some characteristics of the flooding and of the river’s levels and their relationships can be useful within the framework of an organized climate service that would help farmers and communities to better anticipate constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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19 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Seasonal Forecast as an Adaptation Strategy: Gender Differential Impact on Yield and Income in Senegal

by Ndeye Seynabou Diouf, Mathieu Ouedraogo, Issa Ouedraogo, Gnalenba Ablouka and Robert Zougmoré

Atmosphere 2020, 11(10), 1127; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11101127 - 20 Oct 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

The use of seasonal forecast has been demonstrated as a good option to reduce the effects of climate variability in sub-Saharan African countries. However, its use, benefits and interests may be different depending on gender. This paper aims at analyzing the gender differential impact of the use of seasonal forecast on the main crop yields (rice, maize, sorghum, millet and groundnut) and farm income in Senegal. We collected data from 1481 farmers (44% women) in four regions of Senegal. We applied the counterfactual outcomes framework of modern evaluation theory to estimate the local average treatment effect (LATE) of the use of the seasonal forecast on crop yield and farm income. The results showed a significant impact of the use of the seasonal forecast (SF) in the main crop yields and the agricultural income for farmers in Senegal. This impact varies according to the sex and the type of the crops. The users (men and women) of the seasonal forecast gained on average 158 kg/ha and 140 kg/ha more yield than the non-users, respectively, for millet and rice crops. The impact of the use of SF is greater for men on millet (202.7 kg/ha vs. 16.7 kg/ha) and rice (321.33 kg/ha vs. −25.3 kg/ha). However, it is greater for women on maize (210 kg/ha vs. −105 kg/ha). Potential users of seasonal forecast had also a positive and significant impact of 41$ per ha on the income. The additional income is more important for men (56$) than women (11$). These findings suggest that the use of seasonal forecast increases the productivity of rural communities and affects men and women differently. The access to and use of SF should therefore be widely promoted among farmers’ organizations; women’s associations should be particularly targeted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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27 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Framing Climate Services: Logics, Actors, and Implications for Policies and Projects

by Marine Lugen

Atmosphere 2020, 11(10), 1047; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11101047 - 30 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

This paper explores how climate services are framed in the literature and possible implications for climate services’ policies and projects. By critically exploring the frames around climate services, the wider objective is to encourage more reflexive and responsible research in the field, particularly given the huge challenge that climate change represents. By using a framing analysis based on an extensive literature review, five dominant frames were identified. Climate services are mainly framed (1) as a technological innovation, (2) as a market, (3) as an interface between users and producers, (4) as a risk management tool, and (5) from an ethical angle. The predominant frames influence how we think about climate services, shared assumptions, and the way in which policies and projects are designed. To prevent negative effects of climate services on the ground, such as inequalities, the main recommendations include establishing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary dialogues between different communities of practice and players, increasing empirical and social science research to improve our understanding of this new field, and finally, re-thinking climate services in terms of adaptation rather than as the mere production of new information products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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23 pages, 4355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coproducing Weather Forecast Information with and for Smallholder Farmers in Ghana: Evaluation and Design Principles

by Talardia Gbangou, Rebecca Sarku, Erik Van Slobbe, Fulco Ludwig, Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic and Spyridon Paparrizos

Atmosphere 2020, 11(9), 902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11090902 - 25 Aug 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4603

Abstract

Many West African farmers are struggling to cope with changing weather and climatic conditions. This situation limits farmers’ ability to make optimal decisions for food and income security. Developing more useful and accessible weather and climate information services (WCIS) can help small-scale farmers improve their adaptive capacity. The literature suggests that such WCIS can be achieved if forecast information is produced jointly by farmers and scientists. To test this hypothesis and derive design requirements for effective WCIS, we evaluated the outcomes of an experimental coproduction of weather forecasts in Ada, Ghana. The experiment involved a user-driven design and testing of information and communications technology (ICT)-based digital (smartphones and apps) and rainfall monitoring tools by 22 farmers. They collected data and received weather forecasts during the 2018/2019 study period. The results showed a positive evaluation of the intervention, expressed by the level of engagement, the increase in usability of the tools and understanding of forecast uncertainty, outreach capacity with other farmers, and improved daily farming decisions. The success of the intervention was attributed to the iterative design process, as well as the training, monitoring, and technical support provided. We conclude that the application of modern technology in a coproduction process with targeted training and monitoring can improve smallholder farmers’ access to and use of weather and climate forecast information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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18 pages, 6086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cloudiness Information Services for Solar Energy Management in West Africa

by Derrick Kwadwo Danso, Sandrine Anquetin, Arona Diedhiou and Rabani Adamou

Atmosphere 2020, 11(8), 857; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11080857 - 13 Aug 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3607

Abstract

In West Africa (WA), interest in solar energy development has risen in recent years with many planned and ongoing projects currently in the region. However, a major drawback to this development in the region is the intense cloud cover that reduces the incoming solar radiation when present and causes fluctuations in solar power production. Therefore, understanding the occurrence of clouds and their link to the surface solar radiation in the region is important for making plans to manage future solar energy production. In this study, we use the state-of-the-art European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts ReAnalysis (ERA5) dataset to examine the occurrence and persistence of cloudy and clear-sky conditions in the region. Then, we investigate the effects of cloud cover on the quantity and variability of the incoming solar radiation. The cloud shortwave radiation attenuation (

C R A_{S W}^{↓}

) is used to quantify the amount of incoming solar radiation that is lost due to clouds. The results showed that the attenuation of incoming solar radiation is stronger in all months over the southern part of WA near the Guinea Coast. Across the whole region, the maximum attenuation occurs in August, with a mean

C R A_{S W}^{↓}

of about 55% over southern WA and between 20% and 35% in the Sahelian region. Southern WA is characterized by a higher occurrence of persistent cloudy conditions, while the Sahel region and northern WA are associated with frequent clear-sky conditions. Nonetheless, continuous periods with extremely low surface solar radiation were found to be few over the whole region. The analysis also showed that the surface solar radiation received from November to April only varies marginally from one year to the other. However, there is a higher uncertainty during the core of the monsoon season (June to October) with regard to the quantity of incoming solar radiation. The results obtained show the need for robust management plans to ensure the long-term success of solar energy projects in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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15 pages, 2601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptation in Burkina Faso

by Jorge Alvar-Beltrán, Abdalla Dao, Anna Dalla Marta, Ana Heureux, Jacob Sanou and Simone Orlandini

Atmosphere 2020, 11(8), 827; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11080827 - 05 Aug 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4152

Abstract

The Sahel region is considered a hotspot for climate change hazards and vulnerability of weather reliant sectors, including agriculture. Farmers in Burkina Faso have a long history of adapting their farming activities to frequent changes in climate. Using 150 in-person surveys, this study assesses farmers’ perceptions of climate change based on multiple climate variables, and reviews adaptation practices, including soil and water conservation strategies, in the Soudanian, Soudano-Sahelian, and Sahelian agroclimatic zones of Burkina Faso. In general, farmers are aware of changing climatic conditions, including increased temperatures, greater rainfall variability, heavier precipitation events, delayed onset, and premature offset of the rainy season. However, farmers perceive shifts in climate differently depending on their location and agroclimatic zone. As a result, different adaption strategies are implemented by farmers according to the climatic, societal, and economic context. Survey results show that in the Sahel, climate adaptation strategies rely on traditional knowledge and experimental approaches; whereas in the Soudanian zone, where weather conditions are more favorable for agriculture, adaptation practices are market oriented. These regional differences are important for targeting advisory services, planning processes, and decision-making to support the effective provision of weather and climate information services to the last mile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Inclusive and Operational Weather and Climate Services to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change)

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